by Jack Redlin
Racine Raiders
The Racine Raiders (3-0) got off to a hot start on Saturday night scoring four touchdowns while shutting out the Motor City Rams (5-1) in the first half. The Raiders would win 27-14 at Historic Horlick Athletic Field.
While the offense started off hot, they were inconsistent again, due in part to starting quarterback Andre Locke only playing two drives on the night. The Raiders offense was able to put up 300 total yards but were unable to score in the second half for the second straight week. Additionally, penalties were a large part of this game with the Raiders totaling 14 penalties for 136 yards.
The Raiders defense was once again dominate in the first half, holding the Rams to negative yards in the first quarter and less than 40 yards of offense in the first half.
The Raiders first score was an amazing 40-yard pass play from Schick Sawyer to wide receiver Joe Garcia III where he caught the touchdown off two deflections with 2:04 remaining in the first quarter. Brady Wodack came on for the extra point and connected in order to make it 7-0.
The Raiders added to their lead early in the second quarter when they started going to the ground-and-pound game in the redzone, leading to a ten-yard touchdown run by Tom Benko. Wodack again came in and made the extra point putting the Raiders up 14-0 with 14:55 remaining in the second quarter.
Sticking with the run game, the Raiders once again found the endzone on a bulldozing run by Rashawn Herron where he broke multiple tackles and powered his way into the endzone putting the Raiders up 20-0 with 6:23 remaining in the second quarter.
The final Raiders score of the game came from Garcia gain where Andre Locke was able to find him over the top of the defense while stepping up away from pressure for a 37-yard touchdown pass. Wodack came in to redeem himself and made the game 27-0 with two minutes remaining in the second quarter.
The Rams defense stepped up in the second half, but a large part of the Raiders struggles in the second half came from penalties. In a game where there was over 300 penalty yards on both sides, neither team was able to fully gain momentum to go on a run in the second half. While the Rams had a slight momentum push at the end of the game, it was proven to be too little, too late leading to a Raiders victory, 27-14.
Schick completed 4-of-16 passes for 60 yards with one interception to go with his one passing touchdown. Locke completed 2-of-2 attempts for 36 yards with one touchdown in his minimal playing time.
Garcia once again led all receivers with 76 yards receiving while adding two scores. Rico Floes also hauled in a catch for 26 yards and Benko hauled in a reception for six yards. Benko led the team in rushing gaining 49 yards on 7 attempts while also adding a rushing touchdown. Herron totaled 42 yards on 4 carries while also adding a rushing touchdown.
Linebacker Aarion Ivy led the way defensively with 12 total tackles. Defensive lineman Niko Lemke totaled three tackles and one forced fumble. Defensive back Corey Dalton led the secondary totaling six tackles and one interception.
The Raiders will host the Tennessee Hornets next week at Historic Horlick Athletic Field with a 7 pm CT kickoff. The Hornets will be playing their first game of the season.
PHOTO CREDITS: Scott Olsen, MyEyes Photography
