Nine Racine Raiders were named MidStates Football League All-Stars earlier this month. The Raiders had four players each from offense and defense and one special teams player selected to the team.
On the offensive side, wide receivers Joe Garcia III and Jordan Payne joined running back Howard Triplett and center Ryan Gails. On defense, defensive backs Channing Schultz and Daquan Smith and defensive linemen Anton Graham and Gage Zahradnik were chose. Kicker/punter T.J. Hearns rounded out the Raiders selections on the team.
Garcia led the team with 40 receptions for 561 yards and 7 touchdowns. Payne hauled in just 17 catches but averaged 22.6 yards per catch and caught 6 touchdowns. Triplett led the Raiders in rushing and scoring despite missing 3-1/2 games due to injury. He gained 649 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. He also hauled in 9 passes for 92 yards and another touchdown. Gails anchored an offensive line that helped the Raiders surpass 1,000 yards on the ground as a team.
Smith led the Raiders with four interceptions and 12 passes defensed. He also managed three tackles for loss from his cornerback position. Schultz had two picks, including one he returned for a touchdown, six passes defensed, and a fumble recovery. Zahradnik finished tied for third on the team with 31 tackles and 4-1/2 sacks. He led the Raiders with 11 tackles for loss. Graham was eighth on the team with 24 tackles. He finished third with eight tackles for loss and fourth with four sacks. He also recorded a sack.
Hearn connected on is three field goal attempts. He also averaged 34.8 yards per punt with three of his eight punts landing inside the 20-yard line.
The nine all-star selections will play in a game between the MSFL and the Northern Lights Football League all-stars on Saturday, October 9, at Historic Horlick Athletic Field. A time for the game hasn’t been announced. Ticket information will be released in the future.
