THANK YOU RAIDER NATION!
🏈 VI Raiders 2025 Season Recap: 20 Years of Brotherhood, Growth & Grit
The Vancouver Island Raiders’ 20th Anniversary Season was one to remember, a year defined by hard work, brotherhood, and a return to playoff football for the first time since 2021. From offseason snowy OTAs to the final whistle of the playoffs, the Raiders embodied what it means to represent The Harbour City: resilience, community, and an unwavering commitment to the game.
🔴 Leadership & Culture
From day one, the tone was set by our fifth-year veterans and returning leaders. Their consistency and leadership shaped a young, hungry roster that grew stronger with every rep, every practice, and every snap. This team didn’t just rebuild, it re-established the Raider standard.
⚙️ A Historic Spring Camp
Our 2025 Spring Camp was one of the largest in program history — a true showcase of community and momentum.
With support from amazing local partners including Sawmill Direct, Popeyes Supplements Nanaimo, Caged Athletics, Wolf Brewing, and The Sip Neighborhood Pub, the weekend reflected both the growth of the Raiders brand and the passion of the Nanaimo football community.
🏟️ Record Home Crowds
The Raiders went 3-2 at home, fueled by record-breaking attendance and some of the loudest crowds in the BCFC.
From our incredible billets to lifelong fans and sponsors, The Harbour City once again proved it’s home to one of the most passionate football fan bases in Canada. Every cheer, every chant, and every red-and-black jersey in the stands mattered.
🚌 Brotherhood on the Road
With six away games, the Raiders learned to embrace adversity and travel together as one. Support from our friends in Comox and across the Island helped turn every road trip into a chance to grow tighter as a unit, a true family on and off the field.
💥 Defensive Dominance
The Raiders’ defence made headlines all season, highlighted by a 10-sack performance that tied for 4th all-time in CJFL history.
That effort anchored a group that finished as the #2-ranked defence in the BCFC, leading the way to a 5-4-1 record and a return to the postseason. Grit, preparation, and heart defined this defensive unit.
❤️ Community First
Off the field, the Raiders continued to make a meaningful impact throughout Nanaimo and Vancouver Island.
From Co-op Gas Day to fundraising for the new BC Cancer Centre at NRGH, our players and coaches took pride in giving back to the city that fuels our success.
Football may bring us together — but community keeps us connected.
⚡ Adversity & Growth
Despite a 2-4-1 start, the Raiders refused to fold. The team rallied down the stretch, finishing 5-4-1 to clinch a playoff berth.
The loss of All-Star Israel Waitman late in the season was a challenge, but new stars rose — including running back Dayshawn Jacobs, whose emergence gave the offence new energy and identity.
This was a team that learned, adjusted, and fought together until the end.
🌟 2025 BCFC All-Stars
Five Raiders earned BCFC All-Star recognition, a testament to individual excellence within a team-first culture:
#1 Felice Toscano – Defensive Back
#7 Israel Waitman – Defensive Back
#4 Max Shippam – Linebacker
#99 Tani Wisdom – Defensive Line
#80 Parker Moscrip – Wide Receiver
🔴 20 Years Strong — And Still Building
The 2025 season was more than a milestone, it was a message. A message that the Raiders are back, stronger than ever, grounded in culture, and hungry for more.
As we look ahead to 2026, our mission remains clear: build stronger, play harder, and continue representing the Harbour City with pride.
#WeAreRaiders | #HarbourCity | #20YearsStrong
