The Chicago Thunder, ranked number four in the country entering Saturday night's game at Historic Horlick Field, were supposed to be the main threat for the Racine Raiders. The only real threat involving thunder ended up being the severe weather that passed through the area 45 minutes prior to kickoff. The Raiders remained perfect in Mid-States Football League (MSFL) play, beating the Thunder 27-0.

The defenses were stellar in the first quarter leading to no score after the first quarter of play. The Raiders weren't able to find the endzone until midway through the second quarter.

The Thunder charged into Raiders territory but a 30-yard field goal attempt by Ben Aguilar sailed wide right. The Raiders, who weren't having much success running or passing, went to a four wide receiver set and then proceeded to hand the ball off to J.R. Taylor on consecutive plays that netted the Raiders 63 yards and put them at the Thunder three yard line. Craig McClelland would score his first rushing touchdown on a quarterback draw. The Joel Dapra extra point was good and the Raiders led 7-0, which they took into the half.

Damonshay Pitt ignited the Raiders on the opening kickoff of the second half when he returned the opening kick 52 yards to the Thunder 48 yard line. The Raiders ran the ball six straight times, picking up 35 yards and were assisted by an offside penalty to get to the Thunder eight yard line. McClelland hit a diving Traves Worthington for a touchdown from there and the Dapra extra point gave the Raiders a 14-0 lead with 9:44 to play in the third quarter.

The Raiders would strike next with 9:44 to play in the fourth quarter. McClelland hit Terrence Fitch on a 37-yard touchdown pass. The Dapra extra point made it 21-0.

The Raiders would take advantage of a fumbled punt by Norman LeFlore in the fourth quarter that gave the Raiders the ball at the Thunder 42 yard line. Racine would take six plays to go 42 yards for the score. McClelland hit Dorian Palmer on a five yard touchdown pass with 56 seconds to play in the game. The Dapra extra point gave the Raiders a 27-0 lead, which ended up being the final.

The Raiders will play the Racine Threat next Saturday. The game will be carried live on WRJN 1400 AM with the pregame show starting at 6:50 p.m.

PHOTO CREDIT: Dennis Borkhus-Veto