Raiders Extend Their Win Streak to 21 Games

Toledo,Ohio -The Raiders offense got off to a slow start in the first half due to turnovers but regained their confidence in the second half as they took down the Glass City Tigers (5-7), 49-12, in Ohio on Saturday. Two turnovers by Racine were returned by touchdowns in the second quarter making the game close heading into halftime.

The Racine Raiders dominated on both sides of the ball in the second half against the Tigers and extended their winning streak to 21 straight games, which ties the 1983-1984 win streak by the then Racine Gladiators. Head coach Wilbert Kennedy also became the second Raiders head coach in history to record his 100th career win joining “Mr. Raider” Bob Milkie who has 137 career wins.

The Raiders offense would get on track in the second half and amassed just under 350 total yards while scoring four rushing and two passing touchdowns in their win.

The Racine defense showed dominance once again, allowing only 20 yards and shutting out their opponent on the defensive end. The Raiders also added one sack and one interception returned for a touchdown on the night.

After a quick opening drive by the Tigers, the Raiders took possession of the ball at the Tigers 37-yard line. This led to a quick four-play drive where Rashawn Herron found the endzone on a two-yard rushing touchdown. Brady Wodack came on and missed the extra point making it 6-0 with just over nine minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Racine’s defense forced a quick three-and-out which led to the Raiders second score of the game when Tom Benko found the endzone on a two-yard rushing touchdown. Wodack would come on to make the extra point which made it 13-0 with just over two minutes remaining in the first quarter. 

The Raiders offense suffered miscues within each of the next two drives, resulting in a fumble and interception, both returned for touchdowns. J.D. Hardy would block both extra points to preserve the Raiders lead, 13-12, with just over four minutes remaining in the second quarter.

The Raiders would respond just before the end of the half when Andre Locke connected with Jashon Foster for a 24-yard touchdown reception. Wodack came on and made the extra point making it 20-12 with one minute remaining in the second quarter.  

The Raiders received the ball in the second half and quickly added another score on a four-play drive where Herron found the endzone again on a one-yard touchdown run. Wodack came on and made the extra point making it 27-12 with just over 13 minutes remaining in the third quarter.

The Raiders next score of the game came on the defensive side of the ball where all-GDFL linebacker Gary Young Jr. stepped in front of the crossing receiver to intercept the pass and return it for a 21-yard touchdown. Wodack came on and made the extra point to make the game 34-12 with just under seven minutes remaining in the third quarter.

The Raiders defense once again stepped up forcing a three-and-out which led to the Raiders getting the ball at the Tigers 31-yardline. This led to another quick three-play drive by the Raiders when Locke found Will Norwood for a 14-yard passing touchdown. Wodack would come on to make the extra point making it 41-12 with just over one minute remaining in the third quarter.

The Raiders final score of the game came from Sean White when he scored a seven-yard rushing touchdown and added a two-point conversion run making it 49-12 with just over eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

Locke completed 11-of-17 attempts for 206 yards and added two passing touchdowns to one interception. Sawyer Schick completed 3-of-4 attempts for 25 yards and Antoine McKinney completed 1-of-2 attempts for 11 yards and one interception.   

Rico Flores led the way in receiving with four receptions for 65 yards. Norwood added 27 yards and one touchdown on two receptions while Foster totaled two receptions for 43 yards and one touchdown.  White tallied one reception for 39 yards and Fitch totaled two receptions for 46 yards.  

Herron led the way rushing adding 24 yards and two touchdowns on seven attempts. Tom Benko tallied 25 yards and one touchdown on four attempts, and White added 16 yards and one touchdown on three attempts.  

Young Jr. led the way defensively tallying five tackles and one interception returned for a touchdown. Defensive lineman Willie Clay added four tackles and one sack and Jake Mittelstaedt totaled six tackles.

The Raiders will host the River City Rough Riders next week at Historic Horlick Athletic Field with a 7 pm CT kickoff where the Raiders look to extend their win streak to 22 straight wins. The Raiders will honor all military personnel and veterans during halftime of the game. The veteran gate will open at 4:30 pm so veterans can participate in a free tailgate sponsored by Operation BBQ Relief.

MyEyes Photography Scott Olsen