Reporters from BCFC cities give their two cents on how the teams are going to fair this week. Thanks to Marty Hastings (Kamloops this Week), Warren Henderson (Kelowna Daily Courier), Eric Welsh (Chilliwack Progress), Gary Ahuja (Langley Times) and Don Descoteau (Goldstream Gazette)
…Don is on the last week of his holidays
Its week 3 in the BCFC with both the Huskers and Broncos looking for their first win. Unfortunately for both clubs they will have to try to get 2 points on the road against teams they are chasing in the standings in the Raiders and Langley Rams.
In Kelowna it’s a battle for first place as the undefeated upstart Westshore Rebels head into Kelowna to try and knock off the 2-0 defending conference champion Sun.
Since the scribes are always right let’s see who the winners will be this week…
Saturday 2PM Valley Huskers @ VI Raiders
Eric: The Raiders look like a flawed football team two weeks in, but playing at home against the struggling Huskers may be just what's needed to get them rolling. VI should cruise to victory against the BCFC's perennial punching bag.
Rebels 48 Huskers 3
Warren: The Huskers have been outscored 95-14 in two decisive losses at home this season, so no reason to expect improvement on the road against the Raiders. Look for VI to coast to its second win of the summer. Raiders in a walk 44-6.
Gary: The Raiders rarely lose at home are likely stinging after their first-ever loss to the Westshore Rebels in week 2. The Huskers had more penalty yards than total offence in week two and have just 14 points through two games.
Final score: Raiders 44 Huskers 10
Marty:The Raiders will bounce back from a tough loss to the Rebels with a win against the Huskers.
38-10 Raiders
Saturday 7PM Kamloops Broncos @ Langley Rams
Eric: The Rams (1-1) looked dominant in a week two win over the Huskers, but the Broncos (0-2) will provide far stiffer opposition. Give the edge to Nathan Lund and Langley, playing at home for the first time this year.
Rams 34 Broncos 17
Warren: The Broncos gained some confidence with their effort last week against the Sun and should give the Rams a run for their money. Still, look for Langley's depth and talent to be the difference. Rams win it 31-21.
Gary: In week one, the Rams had a strong second half as they nearly rallied for the victory, coming up one touchdown short. In week two, Langley had a brilliant first half offensively — they scored on six of eight possessions — before sputtering offensively in the second half. Is this the week they put together a full 60-minute effort? Their opponent is looking for their first win of the season but expect Langley to prevail in the team’s home opener of 2016.
Final score: Langley 38 Broncos 30
Marty: The Broncos were impressive in a loss to the Sun last week and they might just sneak past the Rams in an upset.
31-27 Broncos
Saturday 7PM Westshore Rebels @ Okanagan Sun
Eric: Can the Sun stop Rebel running back Jamel Lyles from running wild? The Rams and Raiders couldn't contain him and the Sun won't either as Lyles powers Westshore to a massive road victory at the Apple Bowl. Rebels 27 Sun 24
Warren: The marquee matchup of the season so far has the two remaining unbeaten teams going head-to-head. The Sun will be challenged to stop Jamel Lyles who rushed for 270 yards last week against the Raiders.
The defending champs will have both experience and the Apple Bowl faithful on their side. Former Sun head coach Shane Beatty returns as an assistant with the Rebels, just to add a little flair to the proceedings. A tight battle to the finish sees the
Sun emerge 30-28.
Gary: The league’s lone two unbeaten go head-to-head in week three as both the Rebels and the Sun are 2-0.The Rebels are coming off a huge win as they beat the VI Raiders for the first time in program history last week while the Sun held off the Kamloops Broncos 45-30. Westshore has scored 40-plus points in both games this season.
Final score: Sun 38 Rebels 35
Marty; Westshore is off to a great start and the Rebels should have enough to get past the Sun.
27-24 Rebels
