By Dan Marshall

VI Raiders set to begin 2016 season against Kamloops

Jul 20, 2016 | 12:48 PM

The VI Raiders are set to open the season at home Saturday against the Kamloops Broncos.

Coach Jerome Erdman says it’s critical for the Raiders to hit the ground running in a short 10 game season.

“Especially at home for so many reasons we want to get off to a fast start against Kamloops, who are very well coached.  They’re going to be a very good football team.  So we’re going to be battling for a playoff spot with them obviously,” said Erdman.

Last year the Raiders finished 7-3, and lost in the Cullen Cup game to the Okanagan Sun.

“I thought it was a step.  We’re trying to build a foundation that’s sustainable.  And that’s hard work, controlling the things that we can, our work ethic, our commitment, that type of thing.  You have to recruit the players that you believe will fit into that system.”

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Erdman is excited about his coaching staff this season, and he has expectations in all three facets of the game. On offense, defense and special teams.

“Dave Easley is our special teams co-ordinator who’s going to bring a lot of experience, alot of knowledge.  Then on defense we’ve got Doug Hocking back which is going to be really, really exciting.  I think it’s a mistake where you try to emphasize one facet of the game so early.  We’re going in flat and then after the first game we’ll see if we have to spend more emphasis on one area of the game.”

Saturday’s game is a 2pm kickoff at Caledonia Park.