The VI Raiders will be the underdogs for the their Cullen semi final game against Westshore on Oct. 26. (VI Raiders Facebook)

By Dan Marshall

Playoff Kickoff

Raiders visit Rebels in all island BCFC playoff battle

Oct 24, 2019 | 4:31 PM

NANAIMO — The VI Raiders are primed for an all island matchup in the BCFC post season.

VI (5-5) will head to Westshore (8-2) Oct. 26 as the underdog in the league semi final.

Raiders head coach Curtis Vizza says despite an 0-2 record against the Rebels, his team isn’t about to re-invent itself at this stage of the year.

“We’ve got to be sound in all aspects of the game, defense, offense, and special teams. If all 45 guys show up ready to play we’re going to have one hell of a game.”

It was only two years ago that VI went down to Westshore for a playoff game against the heavily favoured Rebels and walked away with a Cullen Cup.

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In 2017 the third seeded Raiders won 21-7 over the Rebels to capture their eighth league title.

This time around a trip to the Cullen Cup is on the line against the winner of the Langley (10-0) and Okanagan (5-5) semi.

The Raiders’ path to victory will include being sharp on offense, defense, and special teams.

Near the end of the regular season Vizza said it was the Raiders defense that really came up big.

Vizza has experienced many times before that emotions get high for these types of games, not only because it’s the playoffs, but because it’s a post season game against an island rival.

“You have to keep your emotions in check. If we get too excited that’s when we make mistakes. Momentum shifts can happen a lot, especially with a young team.”

The Raiders are anticipating a large contingent of fans traveling down island to cheer on the team.

Vizza said that support will mean a lot.

“It’s super loud in that stadium. Last game there was extremely loud and with our fans showing up it will feel like a home game that way. It’ll make it electric.”

The weather is expected to by clear on Oct. 26 for the 7 p.m. kick off and should augment the number of Raider fans making their way to Westhills Stadium.

During the lead up to the game the Raiders will be following much of the same routine as the regular season but Vizza noted that the playoffs do represent a new beginning.

“Everyone’s 0-0 right now, going forward it’s an even playing field.”

dan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On twitter: @danmarshall77