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VI Raiders much better than their 4-4-1 record

Sep 30, 2016 | 3:30 PM

NANAIMO — The VI Raiders are a .500 football team, but lately they seem so much more than that.
 
Nanaimo’s junior football team will finish fourth in the BCFC standings, but they’re coming off a tie with the top ranked Westshore Rebels two weeks ago, and a win against second ranked Okanagan last week.
 
With one game to go in the regular season the Raiders already know they will play Westshore in the playoffs, but coach Jerome Erdman isn’t looking past Week 10 of the regular season.
 
“We’re playing our best football right now, and it’s really important for us to continue that pattern against Chilliwack (the Huskers) who’s a very much improved football team this weekend.
 
We want to be definitely heading into the playoffs on a high,” said Erdman.
 
The Valley Huskers are 0-9 but Erdman’s approach to Saturday’s game in Chilliwack is very business like. 
 
“You always get in trouble when you overlook an opponent.  Number one it disrespects them, and number two it disrespects us and the game,” said Erdman.
 
“We’ve got to take care of business on Saturday and that’s what all of our focus is on right now.”
 
Erdman isn’t thinking about the island playoff rivalry yet but he feels he has the team leaders to get the job done once they get there.
 
“Our veteran leadership has done a great job this season especially with such a young crew.
 
It was vital for them to lend their experience to these younger players, keep them on track, and they’ve done an awesome job.
 
We will be counting on them heavily in the playoffs.”
 
Saturday’s regular season finale is a 1pm kickoff at Exhibition Stadium.
 
The BCFC will be off for the Thanksgiving weekend with the playoffs set to begin October 15th and 16th.
 
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Weekend Sports
 
 
BCHL
Nanaimo Clippers vs Coquitlam – Saturday 6 p.m. Frank Crane Arena
Nanaimo Clippers vs Vernon – Sunday 2 p.m. Frank Crane Arena

VIU Mariners
PACWEST Golf Invitiational – Saturday and Sunday Morningstar Golf Course
Mariners Soccer @ Capilano – Saturday 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
Mariners Soccer @ Quest – Sunday 12 p.m., 2:30 p.m.

VIJHL
Nanaimo Buccaneers @ Comox – Saturday 7:30 p.m. Comox Valley Sports Centre
Oceanside Generals vs Campbell River – Saturday 7:30 p.m. Oceanside Place
 
BCMML
North Island Silvertips vs Cariboo – Saturday 12:30 p.m. Richmond Oval
North Island Silvertips vs Cariboo – Sunday 10 a.m. Richmond Oval