By Dominic Abassi

Raiders aim to play a ‘complete’ game as they host Rams

Aug 20, 2016 | 11:11 AM

NANAIMO — The VI Raiders hit the mid-point of the BCFC season Saturday afternoon when they host the Langley Rams.

And with four games under their belt this campaign, consistency is the word of the hour for the team’s head coach.

Jerome Erdman says the focus is to get better every week.

“We only played half of a game against Westshore and against Okanagan, we played maybe three-quarters of a game. So we’re working on playing a full game,” said Erdman.

The two incomplete games the coach references are the Raiders only two losses of the season, 45-22 at Westshore in week two and 37-19 in Kelowna last weekend.

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Erdman says he was proud of the way his young team handled their first trip into the daunting atmosphere of the Apple Bowl.

“We had a lot of players that was their first experience with that type of road trip. I’m proud of our guys, it was a learning experience.”

The Raiders have seen improvements each week in their game, according to Erdman, noting that will set his club on a good path to complete their first goal of getting in the playoffs.

At this point, however, that appears already very likely, with the Raiders currently occupying the final playoff spot in the BC conference, but four points clear of Kamloops and Chilliwack, both winless.

Saturday’s game marks an opportunity for the Raiders to move into a tie with Langley for third place.

The Rams enter their first contest this season with VI riding a three game winning streak, after a week one loss to Westshore.

The schedule was friendly to the Rams, as those three wins were against the Huskers, Broncos and Huskers respectively.

Erdman says his defense will need to be aware of Nathan Lund, who is averaging 9.3 yards-per-carry so far this season out of the Rams backfield.

“They have a very, very good run game, so the key for us is to stop the run. Their passing game isn’t bad either, so it’s a challenge for our defensive staff.”

Erdman also referenced the man calling the plays for the Langley offense, which is currently tied for the league-lead in points scored.

That man is Shawn Olson, who brings with him an impressive resume, including stops as the play-caller at Simon Fraser University and UBC.

Erdman says his offense will be fine as long as they can avoid the costly penalties, take care of their business and be more consistent, things he felt they didn’t do last week against the Sun.

The Nanaimo squad features the league’s second leading rusher, Nathan Berg, and leading receiver in Dustin Rodriguez.

Keeping a perfect 2-0 home record in tact on Saturday is also on the mind of Erdman.

“Our guys love playing here, we love our support, it is special.”

Kick-off is 2 o’clock at Caledonia Park.