GDFL XTREME CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP: Raiders Rusty? Outlaws Hope So!

Racine,Wisconsin-The Racine Raiders (9-0) will host the Tri-City Outlaws (8-0-1) this Saturday at Historic Horlick Athletic Field to kick off the second round of the Gridiron Development Football League playoffs. The Raiders have played with confidence and selflessness to put together an unblemished record.  This extends their winning streak to 25 straight games, which is the third longest in team history.   

The Raiders are coming off a forfeit victory in the first round of the playoffs when the Knoxville Grizzlies informed the Raiders they wouldn’t show up for the game.  This resulted in a 2-0 forfeit win for the Raiders. Racine’s last game was a 30-3 victory back on July 27th on the road against the Southern Indiana Bobcats. 

The Raiders have been a defensive powerhouse all season long who have put up historic numbers including allowing only 2.5 points per game while touting an active streak of 23 consecutive quarters without allowing a defensive touchdown.  The Raiders defensive front seven has been outstanding on the year totaling 47 sacks in league games. Setting the tone for the line is Cordero Williams, whose presence commands attention.  Williams leads the team in sacks (7.0) which results in teammates getting better opportunities. Leading the way in terms of linebackers on the team is star-studded Gary Young, Jr. The reigning GDFL Defensive Player of the Year, Young has led the defense all season long in terms of both the run and pass game. He has totaled 54 tackles on the season while also adding three interceptions including one returned for a touchdown.  

The Raiders secondary has been outstanding on the season with multiple players excelling. The top defensive backs so far have been Jordan Danowski and JD Hardy who have been able to play a role in stopping both the pass and run. Danowski has tallied 23 tackles and five interceptions including one returned for a touchdown and Hardy has played a key role as an enforcer over the top forcing hard-hitting incompletions.  

While somewhat in the shadow of the historic run the defense is on, the Raiders offense has also been productive all season. Leading the way is 2023 league MVP Andre Locke, Jr who has had his struggles at times during the season but has led the Raiders back to the playoffs once again. Locke’s ability to connect with all players on the field allows for him to become trusted by his teammates and with trust comes success. On the year Locke has totaled over 1200 passing yards and 22 total touchdowns. The ground game committee is led by hardnosed and tough running Rashawn Herron who averages 7.4 yards per carry while contributing seven rushing touchdowns.  

The Tri-City Outlaws (Clarksville, TN) are the Xtreme South Division champion with a record of 8-0-1 and are coming off a first-round playoff win over the Huntsville (AL) Rockets 24-8. This is the second meeting in both teams’ history as last season the teams faced each other in the first round of the playoffs. The Raiders would go on to win that matchup 43-0 and advance to the second round. This year’s stakes are a bit higher, as the victor moves on to the GDFL’s Gridiron Bowl XV national championship game. The rematch won’t be a cakewalk for the Raiders though as the Outlaws have been a tough and gritty matchup for opponents all season.  

The Raiders aim to extend their winning streak again and advance to the GDFL National Championship when they face the Tri-City Outlaws at Historic Horlick Athletic Field on August 17th with a 7:00 pm CT kickoff. Fans can use their tickets from the cancelled game against the Grizzlies for this week’s game, but they will not be able to use them for the National Championship. For those looking for tickets they can be purchased online through Hometown Ticketing or at the gate beginning at 5:30 pm on Saturday. Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for students or seniors, $25 for a Family Pass (2 + 2), and as always military veterans and first responders get free admission.  

MyEyes Photography Scott Olsen