Richmond Raiders capped a season of perfection in grand style by capturing B.C. Community Football Association’s Junior Bantam 9-Man provincial title in Kamloops last weekend.
The Raiders represented the Vancouver Mainland Football League (VMFL) and faced three other zone winners — Kamloops (SIFC), Victoria (VICFC) and Vanderhoof (NCFC) — in a Texas Shootout format. Richmond rolled past their opponents, capped by Trystan Kebede scoring the walk-off touchdown against Kamloops in the final. He was also named the tournament’s MVP.
Earlier, the Raiders went 8-0-0 in VMFL regular season play — earning a chance to host the championship game — a 48-38 win over the North Shore Storm under the lights at Minoru Park on Nov. 8.
Richmond also captured North Delta Minor Football’s pre-season Sungod Tournament back in mid-August.
A full roster of 24 players, that began training back in July, reflected Richmond Minor Football’s merger with North Delta at some age levels.
“We wanted to ensure players had a team to play on,” explained RMF president Aarron Thompson. “We (actually) had players from all over the Lower Mainland be apart of teams at all divisions and age groups.
“We are a proud member of our community and run year round programs dedicated to providing fun and fitness to the youth in our community. There’s a spot for anybody in football regardless of gender or ability.”
The Raiders roster also features: Cayden Nguyen, Daniel Wojewodzic, David Norena, Connor Hopkins, Daven Pama, Hayden Jackman, Nithen Banwait, Tyler Girvin, Gavin Narwal, Cole Wingfield, Nate Dunlop, Lucas Gauthier, Tyler Hintz, Aaron Berezin, Carson Stoochnoff, Riley Turner, Kareem Mohammed, Dejan Guzina, Thomas Holden, Gurbir Mandair, Jaeden Prakhin, Zaackery Thompson and Liam Ashton.
The coaching staff includes: Head coach/offensive coordinator Ermias Kebede, defensive coordinator Aarron Thompson, special teams coordinator Kelvin Wingfield, assistant and trainer Jenner Jensen, manager Christine Holden.
For more on the Richmond Raiders and their fall and spring programs visit their website.
