By Dan Marshall

VI Raiders come out of main camp focused on season opener

Jul 11, 2017 | 10:55 AM

NANAIMO — Main Camp is over and the VI Raiders have their sights set on the BCFC season opener against Langley on July 29.
 
Head Coach Doug Hocking was pleased with the progress his players made over the three day main camp, culminating with a scrimmage game last Sunday.
 
The battle for the starting quarterback role between Jake Laberge and Jamie Ybarra was one of the most competitive at camp, and the spots on the defensive line were also hotly contested.
 
There won’t be any further cuts for the Raiders with the team hanging on to between 70-75 players.
 
The question of who will earn the starting spots is another matter.
 
Hocking says the starters for the opening game will be decided about a week beforehand.
 
“We want guys to keep competing everyday in practice and understand that they may be real close to starting. As close as you are to thinking you’re starting for this football team, you may be just as close to not dressing week one. That’s the competition level we have in practice right now,” said Hocking.
 
It will be a steady dose of practice and scrimmages before the season opener – but no preseason game.
 
Hocking says although he likes the idea of an exhibition game. with the veterans he has on both sides of the ball the Raiders will be ready for the Rams on the 29th.
 
The Raiders home opener is on Sunday August 5 against their Island Rivals from Westshore.
 
It was the Rebels who knocked the Raiders out of the playoffs last season with a 34-29 win in the BCFC semifinal.
 
 
dan@nanaimonewsnow.com
 
On twitter: @danmarshall77