The Racine Raiders continued their dominance in the 2025 season opener with a 35-0 win over the Tennessee Hornets. With the win, the Raiders’ winning streak is extended to 28 games which ties them with the 1992-1993 Raiders for the longest winning streak in team history. The Raiders will look to put themselves in sole possession of the longest winning streak in team history next week when they travel to Detroit to face the Michigan Bills.
The Raiders offense played to their strengths throughout the night focusing on the running game over the struggling passing game. The Raiders offense put up just over 330 yards while tallying four rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown in their win over the Hornets.
The Raiders’ defense continued their dominance from last season forcing the Hornets to -19 yards of offense while shutting them out. The Raiders’ defense added three sacks on the night and had pressure on the quarterback every play to the point the Hornets had to go to the short game the rest of the night.
The Raiders’ first score of the game came about halfway through the first quarter after the Raiders’ defense forced a quick three and out. As soon as the Raiders possessed the ball, they turned to the run game, and Howard Triplett forced his way into the endzone for a 14-yard score. Mike Peralta would come in and nail the extra point making it 7-0 with just under six minutes remaining in the first quarter.
The Raiders’ second score of the night came early in the second quarter and went the same way as the first. The Raiders passing game struggled to get going which led to more ground-and-pound football this time from Rashawn Herron. Raiders forced their way down the field and Herron pushed his way into the endzone for a three-yard touchdown. Peralta would come in and hit the extra point, making it 14-0 with just under nine minutes remaining in the second quarter.
Just a short time later the Raiders would find the endzone once again. After another quick drive forced by the Raiders defense, the Raiders would possess the ball in the opponent’s territory and they didn’t waste time adding another score. Quarterback Sawyer Schick was able to find an open Ian Gaines on a corner route in the front of the endzone to add to the lead. Peralta would come on to hit the extra point, making it 21-0 with just over five minutes remaining in the second quarter.
To open the second half the Raiders continued their dominant run game and added to their lead quickly. Triplett was able to add another score to his stat line this time coming from a five-yard rushing score. Peralta would once again come in and hit the extra point, making it 28-0 with just over 12 minutes remaining in the third quarter.
The Raiders’ final score of the night came early in the fourth quarter with most of the starters on the bench for the Raiders. This led to Tavin Allen getting his first career score with the Raiders on a seven-yard rushing touchdown. Peralta would come in and hit the extra point, making it 35-0 with just over 14 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
On the night when the run game took over the Raiders had 12 players attempt a rush on the night with nine of them running backs. To lead the Raiders was Triplett who tallied five attempts for 36 yards and two touchdowns. Rashawn Herron was right behind him with eight attempts for 58 yards and one touchdown and Tavin Allen also totaled two attempts for 16 yards and a touchdown.
Raiders quarterback Andre Locke struggled to open the season by completing 6-of-12 attempts for 37 yards. While Sawyer Schick played well in his relief of Locke completing 5-of-6 attempts for 50 yards and one touchdown.
Leading the way in receiving was Ian Gaines with two receptions for 26 yards and a touchdown. Right behind him was Rico Flores who added two receptions for 22 yards. Bubba Rewolinski added two receptions for 15 yards and Jordan Payne added one reception for 13 yards as well.
At the head of the dominant Raider’s defense was defensive lineman Cordero Williams who tallied four tackles and two sacks. Linebacker Gary Young, Jr., continued his dominance from last season adding seven tackles. Defensive lineman Ronald Haggins totaled one tackle and one sack on the night. Leading the secondary was cornerback Corey Dalton who totaled two tackles and multiple pass breakups on the night.
The Raiders will travel to face the Michigan Bills next week Saturday, May 10, at Navarre Field in Monroe, Michigan. The game will have a 6 pm CT kickoff and an official viewing party will be held at Angry Brothers Pub and Grill in Racine.
Jack Redlin, Racine Raiders
PHOTOS: Scott Olsen, My Eyes Photography
