Defence Stands Up For Gridiron Raiders

September 08, 2009

Nanaimo Daily News

Having their best player sidelined by injury may just turn into a positive for the Vancouver Island Raiders.

Missing superstar running back Andrew Harris, the Raiders rode a stellar defensive effort to a 16-11 win Saturday over the Okanagan Sun in B.C. Football Conference action at Caledonia Park.

Raiders coach Snoop Blokker was effusive in his praise for his defensive unit, and says their performance could have long-lasting benefits.

The Raiders held the Sun to just 206 yards in total offence, including a meagre 47 on the ground.

The defending Canadian champs upped their league record to a perfect 5-0. Okanagan fell to 3-2.

"It felt like an old-time victory," said Blokker. "We needed our defence to step up and shut down a very good team, and they did."

Blokker said that much of the team's identity had been connected to Harris, the nation's top junior player.

"Andrew is a great player," said Blokker. "But a lot of times, people were saying that we couldn't do anything without him.

"Our guys stepped up and proved that we can do it and maybe forge an identity for themselves."

Mark Deswart had a standout game on defence for the Raiders, with Josh Williams and Aaron Davies also sharp.

"It really was an excellent collective effort as a unit," said Blokker.

The Raiders trailed 8-3 at halftime, and Blokker was not enthused.

"I told them they were taking things for granted," he said. "We can't just go out there and expect to win every week. Every other team brings their best against us and we have to do the same."

Blokker's pep talk seemed to help, as the Raiders scored the team's lone touchdown on their first drive after the break, with quarterback Jordan Yantz hooking up with Matt Sawyer for the major.

Mark Mueller added three field goals for the Raiders.

Quarterback Derek Mann tossed a touchdown to Steve Adamik for the Sun's lone major.

"Mann had a huge game the week before, and to hold him down (13-for-26, 206 yards) was a credit to our defence," said Blokker.

The Raiders were especially stingy preventing the run, giving up the 47 yards on 17 carries, none longer than nine yards.

Brett Willsie had 14 carries for 45 yards for the Raiders. Sawyer finished with three catches for 58 yards.

The Raiders host the 2-3 Chilliwack Huskers Saturday (2 p.m.) at Caledonia Park.

"They're a physical team," said Blokker. "They're going to try to push us around and run on us.

"We'll try to build on what we did this week and hope it carries over."

Blokker said Harris is unlikely to suit up again this week, since the team has a bye following the game with the Huskers, allowing him and his other injured teammates plenty of time to recover.