Eastman Bantam Raiders vs Transcona Nationals
Saturday, September 10/16
9:00 a.m.
Raiders’ Field
38 – Eastman Raiders 59 – Transcona Nationals
It was a little cool but the sun was shining and there were a bunch of young men ready to play football. We knew these would be our toughest opponents to date; so we were ready to go.
Well, having said that – it took a little while to warm up and a slow start for us resulted in a touchdown and convert for the Nationals. 0-8. Defence came back with a stop. Next series for Transcona saw their quarterback, #1, keep the ball and he was gone. 0-16. Offence took to the field at our own 30 yard line and after a pass or two and a hard run up each side – touchdown Raiders!! Kick was good. 8-16. Defence came back on with a mission in mind. A huge take down to start the series, stopped #1 on both sides of the field and got the ball back to us!! A good drive followed with some timely blocks got us into good enough field position for a field goal attempt but the ball hit the upright and the bounce did NOT go our way. Defence stepped up again and we had them on the ropes, but that #1 ran left, then right, and then broke away for a huge run to our end zone. 8-22. They missed the extra points. Offence made their next turn count with a super drive – 3 different passes, 3 different ball carriers – done!! Touchdown Raiders!! 14-22. When Transcona got the ball again, #11 took the hand off and found some room. His big long run resulted in a touchdown. 14-28. We blocked the kick for extra points!! Yes!! Unfortunately, the 1st half came to a close with one more good drive by the Nationals’ offence and #1 pushed it in for a touchdown. 14-34 plus 2 = 14-36. But the Raiders were not done yet – they put some pressure on our quarterback but no problem – a pass and touchdown!! 20-36 and the kick was good! 22-36 going into half time.
Offence started off the 2nd half in a BIG way!! Touchdown!! 28-36 again, plus 2 = 30-36. Defense came up with some great stops on short yards but they squeaked in. 30-44. Offence was back on the field and marched right to the end zone!! 36-44 + 2 = 38-44. Once again, defence did their job and got the offence back on the field but an untimely offside call and Transcona found THEIR way to our end zone. 38-50 + 2 = 38-52. Following that, our offence marched well but didn’t quite cross the line, defense got back to work and made a HUGE stop! Offence followed with some sweet passes. Near the end, our defense came up with a big tackle and we stopped them but a bit of a miscue on the punt and one big throw from #1 resulted in one last touchdown for the Nationals. Final score 38-58 for Transcona.
It’s early boys! We learned a lot today! Our guests will be back this Saturday and we will do all we can to be ready to take them on!! GO RAIDERS GO!!!!