Jack Redlin, Racine Raiders

Horlick Field scoreboard on June 22, 2024

The Racine Raiders game against the Flag City Phantoms was called just before the start of the second half due to lightning with the Raiders leading 21-13. According to league rules, a game must have at least one play in the second half for the game to be counted. Since the delay began before the second half was able to kick off the game was ruled a no contest meaning the game doesn’t count towards either team’s record. The Gridiron Developmental Football League (GDFL) is allowing the Raiders game versus the Michigan Bills to count as a league game in order to give the Raiders eight league-qualifying games. 

The Raiders offense continued their exceptional play totaling over 195 yards and three touchdowns in the first half.  

The Raiders defense faced their toughest challenge of the season allowing 102 total yards and two touchdowns while putting up one sack and three tackles for loss in the half.  

The Raiders first score of the game came from a on a pass from Sawyer Schick to Will Norwood for an 18-yard touchdown. Brady Wodack would come on to make the extra point to make the game 7-0 with 9:05 remaining in the first quarter.  

Quarterback Sawyer Schick scanning the field.After a quick touchdown response by the Phantoms, the Raiders were right back to it when Schick connected with Norwood again this time on a 19-yard touchdown. Wodack would come on to make the extra point making it 14-7 Raiders with just over a minute left in the first quarter.  

The Phantoms would go on to score a touchdown just after the two-minute warning in the second quarter giving the Raiders just enough time to run a two-minute offense. The Raiders drove down the field to get into scoring position when Schick found Norwood in the endzone for the third time in the first half. Wodack came on to make the extra point putting the Raiders up 21-13 with seven seconds remaining in the second quarter.

Schick completed 15-of-23 passes for 139 yards and added three passing touchdowns to go along with one interception.  

Norwood led all receivers in receptions, yards, and touchdowns with four receptions for 57 yards and Gage Zahradnik Take the L Dancethree touchdowns. Darrell James totaled three receptions for 33 yards. Bibby Davis had 15 yards on one reception and Terrence Fitch recorded nine yards on two receptions.  

Rashawn Herron led the way rushing with 35 yards on six attempts. Greg Kennedy added ten yards on four attempts and Travis Hayes rushed for six yards on three attempts.  

Defensive lineman Gage Zahradnik led the way defensively with three tackles, one sack, and three tackles for loss. Linebacker Justin Benko contributed four tackles and one tackle for loss.  

The Raiders (5-0) will travel to Scott High School in Toledo, Ohio next week to take on the Glass City Tigers (5-5) with a 5 pm CT kickoff. The Raiders will once again look to tie the 1983-1984 Gladiators with 21 straight wins while also making head coach Wilbert Kennedy the second coach in Raiders history to reach 100 career wins.

Fans are encouraged to join other Raiders fans at Angry Brothers Pub and Grill in Mount Pleasant for an official viewing party including giveaways! The game will be streamed for free on Saturday with Don Wadewitz and Emlyn Thomas on the call. To get ready for the game, join Evan Witalison and guests at Angry Brothers Pub and Grill on Wednesday night at 5 pm for Raiders Roundup Live!

PHOTO CREDITS: Scott Olsen, MyEyes Photography