In 2011 the VI Raiders will be looking for a three-peat, times two. The five time BCFC Cullen Cup champions will once again be fighting for another title come season end thanks in large part to three of their lethal weapons returning.
Quarterback Jordan Yantz will return this season following a record setting 2010. He was named CJFL Offensive Player of the Year thanks to his 182 completions (BCFC record), 2,913 yards, 33 touchdowns and a completion percentage of 64.1% (tied a BCFC record). During the 2010 Canadian Bowl Yantz set another record for competitions, connecting on 31 passes.
One of the reasonās Yantz was so success was the play of 2010 All-Canadian receiver Michael Schaper who is also returning to the Island. Last season he would make 60 receptions for 1,179 yards (CJFL record) and score 12 touchdowns. In the Canadian Bowl Schaper would catch a game high eight passes from Yantz.
When the Raiders werenāt throwing the ball they would hand it off to gutsy running back Jordan Botel. With his 124 carries, 1,261 yards and 13 touchdowns, Botel would run out of the large shadow cast by the departure of Andrew Harris. Botelās 10.2 yards a carry would help him win the 2010 rushing title.
All three offensive weapons will return according to the Raider organization. Schaper and Yantz stayed in Nanaimo and have been training throughout the off season.
The Raiders open the 2011 season against same opponent as last year; the Langley Rams. However in 2011 the Rams will be the home team as they open their new digs at MacLeod Stadium in Langley.
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