Another week, another previously unbeaten opponent, and another decisive Racine Raiders victory as the Raiders roll to a 40-0 win over the Illinois Cowboys on Saturday night at Historic Horlick Athletic Field. The Raiders dominated all facets of the game and nearly matched the number of points allowed by the Cowboys in seven previous games this season (48).
The offense continued to show promise as quarterback Andre Locke completed 17-of-26 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns. Locke also led the Raiders in rushing with seven carries for 41 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown run. Wide receiver Bibby Davis had three catches for 102 yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver Will Norwood had two catches, both for touchdowns. Ten different receivers caught passes in the game.
The defense continued to dominate as they’ve now shut out four opponents this season and haven’t allowed a point in ten straight quarters and 155 minutes of game time. The defense has allowed just 11 points in the five games played, not counting forfeit wins.
The Raiders also won the special teams battle as it was evident the Illinois Cowboys weren’t used to punting the ball away on their first two attempts in this game. They had punts of eight and five yards on their first two attempts and averaged less than 25 yards per punt in the game.
Defensive lineman Nick Jones helped pace the defense with five solo tackles, 4-/12 tackles for loss, 4-1/2 sacks, and two forced fumbles. It matched his sack total from his first ever game with the Raiders on June 22, 2019, against the Milwaukee County Chargers. Linebacker Gary Young, Jr., had five tackles, a tackle for loss, a sack, and an interception. Antonio Dundy, Niko Lemke, Justin Benko, Torie Ruffin, Jay Davis, Armani Goodwin, and Gage Zahradnik all recorded tackles for loss.
The Raiders amassed 366 total yards with 288 coming through the air. They were limited to 78 yards on 26 rushing attempts. They had twice as many first downs as the Cowboys with 18 and were very effective on third downs, converting 9-of-17 of them.
Mitch Farr threw two touchdown passes in the game, both to Norwood, in relief of Locke and Greg Kennedy caught a touchdown pass in the game. Alex Gonzalez connected on field goals of 23 and 35 yards.
The Raiders will host the River City Rough Riders out of La Crosse, Wis. next week at Historic Horlick Athletic Field at 7 pm. The Rough Riders are 9-0 this season and are coming off of a 92-6 drubbing of the Central Wisconsin Bandits in less than three full quarters this past Saturday. The Rough Riders have outscored their opponents 464-70 on the season. They beat the St. Paul Pioneers 19-2 back in late-April.
