THE Jurassic Coast Raptors are eager to start the 2018 BAFA season.

Last year, though significant improvements were made from the club's very first season, organisers felt there was more potential than shown.

For 2018 the Raptors are debuting a completely new offence based on power, miss-direction and subterfuge to confuse and tire opposition defences, and a modified defence designed to get pressure on the opposition quarterback and disrupt their running game.

The season will kick off on Sunday, once again away against the Worcestershire Black Knights.

This fixture last year was a thrilling game that provided the Raptors with a win despite a strong Black Knights' fight-back in the second half.

The second game of the season will be on Sunday, May 6.

It will also be an away fixture and will be against a new opponent, South Wales Warriors.

Relegated from Division One football last year, the Warriors will prove a tough test as they look to win immediate promotion.

The Raptors' first home game is on Sunday, May 13 will be against another new opponent, the Somerset Wyverns.

The Wyverns are a completely new team from Tiverton and initial signs are that they have an exciting and explosive brand of football to bring to the league.

The Raptors' home games this coming season will be at Redlands Community Sports Hub in Weymouth.

This change from previous seasons is due to the pitches at Dorchester Rugby Football Club needing reseeding and rest, especially considering the particularly wet weather the south-west has endured this winter.

Full fixture list

Sunday, April 15 – Worcestershire Black Knights – Away

Sunday, May 6 – South Wales Warriors – Away

Sunday, May 13 – Somerset Wyverns – Home, Redlands Community Sports Hub

Sunday, June 10 – Torbay Trojans – Home, Redlands Community Sports Hub

Sunday, July 1 – Somerset Wyverns – Away

Sunday, July 8 – Cornish Sharks – Home, Redlands Community Sports Hub

Sunday, July 25 – Cornish Sharks – Away

Sunday, August 5 – Worcestershire Black Knights – Home, Redlands Community Sports Hub

A club spokesman said: "With the season fast approaching there is no better time to help the Raptors than signing up to one of our sponsorship packages.

"The packages start from as little as £20 and are available to individuals as well as businesses who wish to show their support for the Raptors.

"We are still interested in finding new players too. It’s not too late to come along and join up, the Raptor Pack is always looking for recruits!"

Anyone interested in sponsorship should make contact via email, raptorsfootball@outlook.com

If you are interested in being involved with one of the fastest growing and most exciting sports in the UK find them on Facebook : facebook.com/jurassiccoastraptors, or on twitter: @jurassicraptors