by Jack Redlin, Racine Raiders
The Racine Raiders (5-0) will host the Flag City Phantoms (6-3) this week for the first time in both teams’ histories. The Raiders aim to extend their winning streak to 21 games and tie the 1983-1984 Gladiators for the fourth longest winning streak in team history.
Along with the team’s winning streak, Raiders coach Wilbert Kennedy is aiming to amass his 100th career win and become only the second Raiders coach in history to total over 100 career wins. Mr. Raider, Bob Milkie, recorded 137 wins over 11 seasons.
The Flag City Phantoms are a part of The Players Football Association where they play in the 2A conference and have clinched the top seed in the conference with a record of 5-1 in conference play.
The Raiders are coming off a dominant win against the St. Paul Pioneers where they won 41-0. The Raiders offense and defense is looking to build off of their previous performance. Quarterback Andre Locke, Sr. has over 800 yards and 12 total touchdowns this season and the connection he has with his top receiver Joe Garcia III is a big part. Garcia has over 266 yards receiving with four touchdowns.
Defensively, the Raiders are led by Gary Young, Jr. who has 24 total tackles, two sacks, and an interception on the season. Jordan Danowski leads the secondary with 15 tackles, three interceptions, and one touchdown.
The Flag City Phantoms are coming off a shutout win as well, beating the Indianapolis Assassins, 41-0. The Phantoms offense is led by running back Maalik Tucker and wide receiver Shandon Morris. Tucker has over 400 yards and five touchdowns on 47 carries and Morris has over 450 yards and six touchdowns on 26 receptions.
The Phantoms are led defensively by defensive end Jarret Sitton and defensive back Mikey Jimenez. Sitton has 29 tackles, seven sacks, and three forced fumbles while Jimenez has 12 tackles, three interceptions, and one touchdown.
The Raiders look to continue their offensive and defensive dominance this week when the Raiders take on the Phantoms at Historic Horlick Athletic Field on June 22nd with a 7 pm CT kickoff. It’s youth football night and there will be a special activity at halftime for the over 100 kids that participate in the youth football camp held in the morning on Saturday. Fans can buy tickets in advance through Hometown Ticketing or at the door beginning at 5:30 pm on Saturday.
