The teal green wave continues to roll on home turf! The Eastman Raider bantams played the Corydon Comets on August 24 at AD Penner park in Steinbach. It was a humid Saturday morning with fairly strong breeze as the game began at 9 AM. Strong outside running and a hurry-up offense approach characterized the Raiders efforts in the first quarter. Their ground attack led to a touchdown run by #12 Austin Buhler. On the defensive side, #54 Dustin Erickson made a great touchdown-saving tackle stopping a long run by the Comet’s #32. Erickson also made a nice tackle on a flair pass and #37 Barrett Friesen had a wonderful tackle in the backfield. #32 Jack Lenchyshyn ran outside on a hurry-up offense play with the direct snap on a third and 11. It was a 45 yard rumble attacking from the left side of the formation. The first quarter ended with a 16-0 score. In the second quarter the Raiders #52 Graham Cruise had a punishing tackle on a kickoff return highlighting a solid defensive effort. #39 Kyle Giesbrecht-Martens had a punt return for a touchdown. After bobbling the ball at first he rambled 40 yards behind good blocking for the score. #51 Tanner Bruestedt had a great knockdown on a pass play stopping the Comet’s attack. Quarterback #12 Austin Bueller had a 19 yard keeper for a touchdown. The Raiders’ scoring was capped off in the first half by fantastic return for a touchdown by #30 Oliver Peters. With a determined effort, Peters returned a punt to the house by breaking several tackles. The first half ended with a score of 30-0.
In the second at half, the Raiders’ dominance continued with the defense providing pressure on the quarterback on passing plays. #31 Will Cruise scored a 30 yard touchdown on a beautiful center screen pass. #32 Jack Lenchychyn also scored two more touchdowns in the second half on a 21 yard pitch option play and on a 45 yard run. The defense tightened up even further In the second half. #34 Dakota Funk had several good tackles including a couple in the backfield for a loss. Funk displayed great sportsmanship helping the opposition player up after tackling him and also giving the ball to the referee after making a great defensive play. The point-after kicking unit led by #2 Eric Adams looked sharp making 6 of 9 attempts. Head coach Jesse Adams and the rest of the staff have the Bantam Raiders executing well as a team and playing some very good football at this point in the season. Final score 30-0.