Coming into the new season the VI Raiders have high hopes after narrowly missing the CJFL Canadian Bowl playoffs last year. 

They have been building and with another year of experience and new recruits the culture and spark has been changing on the Island which could mean big things for an organization that has three Canadian Bowl titles to their name. 

Head coach Shawn Arabsky believes this team is in a position to make a push in the BC Conference this season and could be a sleeper if teams don’t properly prepare for them.  Judging by the energy he saw in spring camp, Arabsky is excited for this season to start. 

On the offensive side slotback receiver Parker Moscrip is a fascinating story as a former All-Provincial lineman who is starting to find success catching the ball.  He had 16 receptions for 182 yards last year with two touchdowns, but “we expect a big step forward in production and he’s one of the best blocking slots in the league,” says Arabsky. 

Moscrip will enter his second CJFL season and wants to make an impact this year, “Individually I want to lead our team to success and be the best player I can be on and off of the field. I want to ball out and see what the future of this game holds for me.”

As a former lineman, he comes to the slotback position with unique knowledge of that position, “Being a versatile player I would say is my biggest strength. Being able to get down in a three-point stance and down blocking a defensive lineman or getting down field and catching a 30-yard ball, or making a big play on special teams.”

This offseason he has been extremely focused in improving as a receiver, “As soon as the season ended last year Shawn (Arabsky) has had us in the gym working. I’m really trying to improve my speed, strength, and route running and complete understanding the game as a receiver. I’m getting a solid understanding of zone defences when watching film and slowing the game down, figuring it out.”

As a Raider there is no better road game then heading to Westshore and battling with the Rebels at Starlight Stadium, something that really stood out for Moscrip last season in Week 9, “I love the island rivalry can’t wait for this year.”

On the defensive side a Player to Watch is defensive lineman Tani Wisdom. He’ll enter his first full season with the Raiders after playing just four games last year and recording three sacks. 

Coach Arabsky believes he’ll be a game breaker off the edge as Wisdom looks to build off his 6.5 tackles last year, as well as adding three knockdowns, and forced and recovered a fumble. 

He has been putting in the work this offseason with a clear focus on continuing to build on his strengths, “I’m really focusing on strength, fundamentals, speed and agility. I would say my biggest strength on the field is to manipulate my speed to my advantage.”
This season Wisdom and his Raiders teammates have several goals in mind but the consistent is, “I want to put that Raiders logo back at the top of the list.”  

The Raiders will open the season on July 19th when they travel to Kamloops to meet the Broncos at Hillside Stadium. Their first of three island rivalry games against the Rebels is set for Saturday August 16 in Nanaimo.  They are hoping for big things from Parker Moscrip and Tani Wisdom, CJFL Players to Watch in 2025.