The V.I. Raiders are hungry to win and adding a thirst for revenge creates a deadly combination the Okanagan Sun will battle against during this weekend’s game.

The Sun was the last team to defeat the Raiders during a contest at the Apple Bowl last year. A four-point difference on the scoreboard sealed the Raider’s loss.

This Sunday (Oct. 11) the Raiders will step onto the turf at Apple Bowl again but this time have an entirely different outcome in mind.

“We want revenge for that loss last year,” said Matthew “Snoop” Blokker, Raiders coach.

He said the team has been running down plays during practice all week to prepare for the contest. The Raiders have focused on special teams, setting up blocks and getting good returns. The Raiders have also focused on putting pressure on the quarterback because the Sun is a passing team.

Hamead Rashead, V.I. Raiders general manager, said its going to be a tough fight in Kelowna, but the coaches work hard to get the players ready for every game and the players always respond with a strong effort on the field.

“We don’t like to boast, but we are the hardest working team in Canada,” said Rashead. “These guys practice hard so they are ready to play and we play hard.”

The Raiders play to win every time and players don’t let any mistakes in the past mar their minds when they enter the playing fields of the future. It is all about the singular battle.

Blokker said the Raiders are always desperate for the win. The Raiders feels more pressure with many other teams in the league gunning to take down the top contender, he said.

“We have more pressure on us. We want to do anything in the world to win,” said Blokker.

The Raiders and the Sun meet at the Apple Bowl at 1 p.m. The Raiders will battle to hang onto its undefeated 8-0 season record against the Sun that sits 5-3. Fans who can’t attend the game in person can watch it live at the Raiders website www.viraiders.ca.

GRID BITS ... There will be a new face behind the bench when the Raiders take on the Chilliwack Huskers Oct. 18. The Huskers’ head coach Howie Zaron has resigned from the club and his post will be taken over by defensive coordinator Jeff Alamolhoda.

Zaron coached the Huskers last year leading his team in a 6-4 season and securing a berth in the BCFC semifinal against the Raiders. He also won the BCFC Coach of the Year award in 2007 and 2008.

For more BC Junior Football news please go to www.bcjuniorfootball.ca.

reporter3@nanaimobulletin.com