V.I. Raiders punt returner Andre Gordon is tackled by Okanagan Sun opponent Casey Pyper during Saturday’s B.C. Football Conference game at Caledonia Park. GREG SAKAKI/The News Bulletin

V.I. Raiders punt returner Andre Gordon is tackled by Okanagan Sun opponent Casey Pyper during Saturday’s B.C. Football Conference game at Caledonia Park. GREG SAKAKI/The News Bulletin

Sun beat Raiders in first-place showdown

Okanagan defeats V.I. by 47-31 score on Saturday at Caledonia Park

  • Sep. 29, 2018 12:00 a.m.

The Raiders lost a football game and also their hold on first place.

The Okanagan Sun defeated the V.I. Raiders 47-31 in B.C. Football Conference action on Saturday at Caledonia Park.

The home team jumped out to a 10-0 lead after one quarter, but the visitors turned that around in the second quarter to go up 27-17 and remained in control.

Turnovers were a factor in the outcome, as the Sun defence combined for four interceptions, including a pick six, and three fumble recoveries, including one for a major score.

Nanaimo actually outgained Kelowna 392 yards to 337.

Raiders QB Jake Laberge finished 23-for-41 passing for 325 yards, four touchdowns and four INTs. Eli Nelms-Horton caught seven balls for 101 yards and a TD and Mike West had seven catches for 81 yards and a TD. Jared Braun and Taylor Becker also had touchdown receptions.

Todd Campbell led the V.I. defence with six tackles and Jérémie Cheng had an interception.

GAME ON … The Raiders have two more regular-season games. They visit the Langley Rams on Saturday, Oct. 6, then host the Chilliwack Valley Huskers on Oct. 13 in a 1 p.m. kickoff.

Nanaimo News Bulletin