VI Raiders on the rise through the BCFC

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“It’s really just being focused on us learning our own plays extremely well. Okanagan is going to be really physical and really fast, they always are. We need to make sure we’re prepared and take care of our own scheme, and if we do that, we should have a lot of success.”

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Arabsky said the team is still evolving with a mix of veterans and new recruits.

“I like how close-knit they are. The players have done such a good job of taking hold of the vision of the team, from the coaches and organization and making it their own. We like how well they get along, how competitive they are and how well they support each other as a true team. We have a lot of new faces. Over half the roster is new, but we got a bit older.”

He said six defensive starters are returning from last year, while their offence will have plenty of new faces.

After a 5-4-1 campaign last season, the Raiders are looking to progress further in all aspects of their game.

Arabsky noted there’s a brotherhood and strong culture with a program that literally had to start from square one after a 0-10 season in 2023.

“Players can see and feel the energy of the team and the organization and want to be a part of it. We’ve been saying ‘burn the boats’ a lot, and be all in and connected with each other. Connection is huge for us. I feel like everyone’s going to have each other’s backs when we get into the games, and the bullets start flying. I feel like we’re going to have one of the strongest cultures and most connected groups in Canada. I think that’s going to be our superpower this year.”

The Raiders’ home opener begins at 4 p.m. on Saturday with a blackout theme.

Fans are encouraged to wear black, with Raiders flags handed out at the gate.

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