The Comox Valley Raiders bantam football team was in Langley Sunday to try and keep their unbeaten start to the season going against the Mustangs. The offence started out strong with blocking up front by Ethan Johnsen leading to touchdowns from Drew Wootton and Jayce Osaduik that helped take a 26-6 lead into halftime.
Jayce would end up with nine receptions while Drew would go on to run for over 200 yards and pass for another 100. On the other side of the ball, Arlo Kennedy, Ashton Lepard and Brodie Lawrie were flying around the field taking on a valiant effort by the Mustangs, who made good adjustments at halftime and closed the gap. The defence was in a battle as Langley mounted a comeback in the second half but ultimately fell short as the Raiders won the game 40-33, and continue their perfect start to the year. Next up is a trip to Meadow Ridge to take on the Knights.
Junior action
On Saturday, junior Raider teams were home to the Westshore Rebels. The peewees kicked off the day with their second game of the season. The team, with lots of first-year players, played hard and gave a great team effort. Amazing defensive work on the field by Javin Pay-Kearns, some great tackles by Jayce Harrison, and an impressive takedown by Milo Junnola held off the Rebels for much of the game. The offensive line was able to open up the field for Raider quarterback Rayden Eldred, who scored the team’s only touchdown, after a touchdown by Jonathan Kim was held back for an offside call. The Raiders lost 14-6.
The junior bantam game followed with some great playing on both ends. Rookie Sebastian Lambertas speed just couldn’t be matched, as he scored three
touchdowns during the game. Consistently great efforts by David Chincoya Martinez and Morgan Crisp, and the rest of the offensive line were
hindered by the size of the Rebels’ defensive linesmen. After a strong first half, some injuries held back the Raiders in the second. Despite a well played game, the Rebels won 24-18.
The Raiders hit the road Friday to play the Steelers in Ladysmith.
On Saturday, they’re at the Courtenay Return It Depot to fundraise at the club’s annual bottle drive. They would love to see you there to show your support.