The defending Cullen Cup champion VI Raiders will begin defence of their title on Sunday with a trip to Chilliwack to face the Valley Huskers.  They will once again be one of the favourites heading into the season with a number of key pieces back on the field.

Last season the Raiders were banged up early on but seemed to peak at the right time winning a pair of playoff games on the road to capture the BC title.  They beat the Okanagan Sun at the historic Apple Bowl, then faced their Island rival in the championship game, in the pouring rain in Westshore and beat the Rebels at Westhills Stadium.

Their season ended in Saskatoon in the National Semi-Final game against the eventual Canadian Bowl champion Hilltops.  However that experience will bode well as they enter this weekend knowing how to win at the next level.

As scary as it sounds, but the Raiders feel they are bigger and stronger of the offensive and defensive lines coming into this season.  Head Coach Doug Hocking wanted to put an

Head Coach: Doug Hocking (2nd season)

2017 Result: 6-3-1, won the BC Conference Cullen Cup with two road playoff wins.  Lost in the National Semi-Final in Saskatoon

Starting QB: Jacob Laberge (3rd season)

Key Departures: Dexter Shea, Ryan Dekker, Bryson Mayoh

Expected team strengths:  Their leadership.  They have enjoyed success in the last couple of years with players in their first and second years. Here in 2018 those players are now in their third and fourth years and have a terrific understanding of what needs to be done at this level.  Coach Hocking has also been pleased with what he’s seen in the trenches on both sides of the ball.

2018 Schedule Quirk:  Seven of the 10 Raiders regular season games will be played in the afternoon.   They won’t play under the lights until Week 4 in Westshore, then will play in the evening when they visit the Okanagan Sun in Week 6 and then again in Week 7 in Kamloops.