It was early, it was cold, and the expectation was that this would be our toughest game of the season… and from how it started… it looked like it was going to come true.
The whistle blew, we kicked it and their #99 had one thing in mind – getting into our end zone. He was off to the races and we didn’t stop him – so, he reached his target… touchdown Patriots (Raiders 0 Patriots 6) The convert was blocked and the score stayed. They kicked off next and a huge return by TB got our offence into great field position. A high “wobbler in the wind” landed in our receiver’s hands – TOUCHDOWN. (Raiders 6 Patriots 6) An offside by us took us 5 yards back but it was no problem as the convert flew through the uprights with ease. (Raiders 8 Patriots 6) A smart short kick followed, and a big tackle caused a fumble – recovery Raiders!! Some great defense on our side caused them to punt and a great catch and run into the end zone by TK got the crowd cheering… BUT… it was called back and the offence went to work. A throw and catch after a bit of a bobble resulted in 6 more points for us. (Raiders 14 Patriots 6) Great snap, hold and kick under pressure! (Raiders 16 Patriots 6) Another fumble and recovery by us got the ball right back to us. After a few tries up the field, some short runs up the middle and a throw – we sprinted to the end zone – TOUCHDOWN RAIDERS!! (Raiders 22 Patriots 6) The snap was on the money, hold in place and kick through followed by a fist pump – securing 2 more points. (Raiders 24 Patriots 6) Huge pressure on the quarterback directly resulted in a TK interception and the ball was back to us.
The second half continued with unbelievably tough defense. An interception by Alex got the offence going again. A 30 yard toss, catch and run was next and a-marching we went! The defense held them “1st down-less” for 3 complete quarters! A diving tackle and down they came. Some tough blocking by the O-line for a gain up the middle – FIRST DOWN! And then, defense held them exactly as they were supposed to and it was GAME OVER. Well done Raiders!!
So… we finish the regular season an undefeated team. 8 and 0 is a pretty sweet record and you should hold your heads high. But hold them high for only a few days and then, dig deep, work hard, play one play at a time, and never, ever, ever, let up. NEVER think it’s going to be easy. We have a brand new season to start now – it’s called the playoffs. We’re all at 0-0 now and the sky’s the limit!! Go get ‘em Raiders!! You have the tools to do it – now just BELIEVE IT!! ONE STEP AT A TIME and the Nomads are the first item on our to-do list. HERE WE COME! GO RAIDERS!!