The Racine Raiders (2-0) defense was dominant on Saturday night recording six sacks and two turnovers while pitching their first shutout of the season, 21-0, over the Michigan Bills (4-2) at Historic Horlick Athletic Field.
While the defense was brilliant, the Raiders offense was inconsistent again, due in part to an underrated Bills defense. While the Raiders offense put up over 330 yards, they were unable to score in the second half. Racine did convert 46% of their third down tries on the night but were 0-for-5 on fourth down conversion attempts.
The Raiders defense was particularly dominant early in the game with the starters playing. They held the Bills to negative total yardage through the first quarter of play. Racine outgained Michigan 219-46 in yards through the first half.
Racine’s first score was a 32-yard pass play from quarterback Andre Locke, Jr. to tight end Dillon Flores with 5:15 to play in the quarter. Brady Wodack came on for the extra point and, after struggling last week, connected to make it 7-0.
The Raiders would add to their lead on a Locke touchdown pass to H-back Jonata Pike with 13:53 to play in the first half. Wodack again made the extra point and Racine was up 14-0.
Locke would score the final touchdown of the game using his legs. With nobody open, Locke stepped up in the pocket and took off down the middle of the field, cutting to his left, and finding the endzone from 11 yards out with 7:06 to go in the first half. The Wodack extra point was again good and it looked like the rout was on.
The Michigan defense stepped up after that, allowing Racine to move the ball but holding them out of the endzone the rest of the way.
Seven different players carried the rock for the Raiders gaining 127 yards and averaging 4.4 yards per carry as a team. Rashawn Herron paced all the runners with four carries for 44 yards, with more than half that yardage coming on the final two plays of the game.
Locke completed 13-of-25 passes for 194 yards and two interceptions to go with his two passing touchdowns. Sawyer Schick was just 1-for-7 for 21 yards in relief.
Joe Garcia again led all receivers with 60 yards receiving. Pike hauled in three catches for 22 yards to go with his touchdown. Nine of the team’s 14 completions went to running backs, H-backs, or tight ends as Locke and Schick connected with nine different receivers in the game.
Linebacker Gary Young, Jr. led the way defensively with eight tackles and a sack. Defensive lineman Gage Zahradnik had four tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery. Linebacker Justin Benko had an interceptions and safety Jordan Danowski recorded three passes defensed for Racine.
The Raiders have off for the Memorial Day weekend. They return to action against the Motor City Rams (3-0) at Historic Horlick Athletic Field on Saturday, June 1, 2024. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 pm. Last year, the Rams gave the Raiders all they could handle as Racine squeaked out a 27-19 win on Alumni Night.
PHOTO CREDITS: Scott Olsen with My Eyes Photography.
