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Eastman Raiders 34
Pembina Valley Cornhuskers 22
The Raiders Midget team travelled south to Winkler, MB to open their 2012 season on the road against the Pembina Valley Cornhuskers. With high expectations the Raiders were looking to start the season off with a solid win, while the Cornhuskers kicked off their 3rd season in the MFLM still in search of their first win in club history. The Raiders stumbled out of the gate early which eventually gave way to an early 8-0 Cornhuskers lead in the first quarter. The Raiders were able to get things back on track going into the 2nd quarter and a 48 yard TD strike from Raiders QB Greg Plett (#4) to WR Patrick Bissonnette (#1) helped spark the offense as the Raiders stormed back with 22 un-answered points in the 2nd quarter with TD’s from RB Austin Catellier (#30) and FB Marc Kirouac (#29). The Cornhuskers were able to put up a last second TD with only seconds left in the 2nd, making the score 22-13 at half time. Miscues again victimized the Raiders to start the 3rd quarter, and an early turnover eventually gave way to a third Cornhuskers TD as they pulled within 2 points making the score 22-20. A conceeded safety and a 30 yard field goal from Raiders kicker Leo Sawatzky (#3) gave the Raiders a 27-20 lead going into the 4th and final quarter. The Raiders ground game was able to grind away at the Cornhuskers defense, and eventually Raiders FB Marc Kirouac (#29) would score his second TD of the game on a 14 yard run to give the Raiders a two score lead, 34-20. With time running out and the Cornhuskers options on offense narrowing, the Raiders turned up the heat with their pass rush, resulting in a handful of sacks that would keep the Cornhuskers offense from mounting any comeback. The Raiders would conceed a safety late in the 4th but that was the only scoring the Cornhuskers would get as the Raiders took their first victory on the road 34-22. Next weekend the Raiders (1-0) travel to Winnipeg to take on the Transcona Nationals (0-1), the game kicks off at 12:30 pm.