Raiders Day!

Raiders Day is fast approaching!
This year we are having one solid day of football and fun for our Raiders Day celebration.
Please join us at the Raiders field on Sunday, August 27th when all of our teams will be taking the field throughout the day.
Along with football we have other fun times scheduled for the whole family
– Silent Auction (Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Winnipeg Jets prizes to be won)
– 50/50 at each game
– 15+ Vendor tables set up
– Inflatable obstacle course
– Bomber Alumni Rod Hill, Glen Schapansky and Nick Miller
– Buzz and Boomer will be stopping by between 12:00 and 5:30pm
– Elite Ozone will be onsite to sanitize equipment
– Much, much more

9am – Bantam vs. Fort Garry Lions
11:30am – Pee Wee vs. St. James Rods
2pm – Atom vs. Transcona Nationals
4:30pm – Crunchers vs. Transcona Nationals

2017 Individual and Team Photos

Individual and team photos have been scheduled for the week of August 21st. They will be done at the Raiders field and will be from 6-7 each night. The schedule is as follows, please make every effort to be there as we don’t have alternate days scheduled.

Monday August 21st – Crunchers
Tuesday August 22nd – Atom
Wednesday August 23rd – Bantam
Thursday August 24th – Pee Wee

Please arrive early to get organized.

Your manager will be sending out an email shortly with all of the required details!

Equipment Adjustments

The Eastman Raiders Equipment Manager will be at the clubhouse on Friday, July 14th from 6-7pm to do any remaining fittings or adjustments prior to the start of the season. If your player requires any type of equipment adjustments or fittings please contact your manager to let them know that you will be coming down so that we can staff accordingly.
This will be the last scheduled time prior to the start of the regular season to get these adjustments completed so please ensure that you are able to make it out if needed.

2017 Registration

We are still accepting registrations for all age levels!
If you are ages 7-14 and are interested in playing football this year contact us using our Contact Form (Contact Tab) and we will give you more details.
No previous football experience required and all equipment is provided! Just bring a desire to play, cleats and a mouth guard and we will take care of the rest.

2-Part Online Registration is Here!

Instructions for 2-Part Online Registration can be found in the document below.
ALL PLAYERS MUST COMPLETE ONLINE REGISTRATION THIS YEAR.
Please ensure to read the full document prior to beginning the Online Registration process as all online instructions are detailed as well as further instructions for Club Registration from May 4-6th. The link to take you to the Online Registration page is contained in the attached document.
Coaches, Trainers and Managers; please come to registration night and fill out a paper registration and we will take care of the online portion.
If you still have further questions after reading through the document and going online, please use the contact form found in the Contact tab and we will be sure to answer your questions as soon as possible. Please do not post questions to the Facebook page as it becomes too hard to track who is giving out the information.

2017 Registration

2017 Registration

DETAILS FOR 2-PART ONLINE REGISTRATION COMING THIS WEEK
2017 Registration is coming up!
May 4th & 5th from 6-9pm and May 6th from 10am-12pm at Clearspring Mall
Cruncher – $205
Atom – $230
Pee Wee – $255
Bantam – $280
Registration cost includes all practices, games and tournaments as well as equipment rental. All you need to provide is cleats, mouth guard and excitement for football!
We accept, cash, cheque or credit payment. Please bring along 2 blank cheques for volunteer and fundraising deposits.

Bantam Playoff & Cruncher Schedule

BRING THE NOISE!

Our Bantam team will be taking on the Fort Garry Lions this Sunday, October 23rd at AD Penner Park at 9:00am!
We’re hoping to see all Eastman Raiders fans out bright and early to cheer on our team! Bring as many cowbells and noisemakers as you can find, we need to be loud and proud Eastman Raiders fans!

The Cruncher team will also be playing this weekend. They will be taking on the St Vital Mustangs on Sunday, October 23rd at the Maple Grove Rugby Park at 11:30am.
Head on over to St Vital to cheer them on!

Raiders Jackets and Bags Are In!

If you ordered a Raiders Jacket or Bag they will be available for pick-up on Saturday, October 15th from 5:30-6:30pm at the Clubhouse.

Please make arrangements for someone to be there to pick-up your order if you are unable to make it.

Contact your team manager if you have any questions or concerns.

Week 1 Playoff Schedule

Bantam – Bye Week
Saturday, October 15th
Pee Wee @ Eastside Eagles – 11:00am
Sunday, October 16th
Atom Black @ Valour Patriots – 12:30pm
Atom Teal @ Corydon Comets – 1:00pm
Crunchers – Bye Week

Pick a game, come on out and cheer on our Eastman Raiders through playoffs!

Mom’s Pantry is in!

PICKUP MOVED UNDER THE MAIN PICNIC SHELTER DUE TO WEATHER.

The Mom’s Pantry fundraising orders will be ready for pick up this Tuesday, October 4th; from 4:30-5:15pm.
Pick up will be at the same place that the cookie orders were picked up; the second parking lot (closest to Tim Horton’s) at AD Penner Park in between the baseball diamond and the football field.
We are unable to store any orders so please ensure that you are either able to pick up your orders or arrange for someone to pick it up for you.
If you have any questions, please contact your team Manager.

Sunday, September 25th

EASTMAN RAIDERS VS SUNRISE COYOTES

1st Quarter

-12:00 Coyotes kick to raiders
Riders start on their 45 yard line
-raiders forced on a 3 and out
Coyotes ball
-offside raiders repeat 2nd down
-coyotes convert to first down
-coyotes run from 25 yard line to the end zone for a touch down

6-0 Coyotes

-coyotes kick for PAT (2 points)

8-0 Coyotes

-Raiders receive. Bring ball to the 55 yard line
-Raiders #13 makes a nice gain for a first down on the 40 yard line
-#13 makes a nice gain close to 1st but no conversion. Coyotes ball
-Coyotes break the tackles and run it into the end zone for a touchdown

14-0 Coyotes

-coyotes attempt PAT but fail to convert. Raiders ball

-Raiders #13 returns football to the 40 yard line
-Raiders forced to a 3 and out.
Coyotes ball
-Raiders force a 3 and out.
Raiders ball
-91 runs for a good 20 yards and converts on first down
-raiders throw a pic on that drive
Coyotes ball

2nd Quarter

-Raiders offside penalty 5 yards
-Coyotes ball on 2nd down
Raiders offside penalty 5 yards
Repeat 3rd down
Coyotes convert to first
-Coyotes run it in for touchdown
-and convert on kick for PAT

22-0 Coyotes

-Raiders fumble football and Coyotes recover, their ball
Raiders D again stops
-Raiders penalty face mask
15 yard penalty and automatic
1st down for Coyotes
-Raiders calm panthers at the 40 for a turn over on downs raiders ball
-Coyotes strip the ball and again their offense takes the field
-Coyotes run in the ball for a touchdown
-They fail to convert on PAT

28-0 Coyotes

-Raiders receive ball and make a nice return to their 40 yard line
-Raiders #39 makes a nice running gain for about 15 yards and a 1st down
-Raiders #13 runs for another 1st down and a nice gain
-turnover on downs, Coyotes ball
1:50 Raiders ball
Raiders 39 makes a close 3 and 1 on the 48 yard line
Raiders Fail to convert to a 1st Coyotes ball
Penalty on Coyotes forced a turnover on downs
Raiders ball
-raiders make a 12 yard gain to a first down
-raiders convert to a 1st down after a nice bootleg HB sweep
-raiders on the goal line and run it in for a touchdown with 2.6 seconds left in the half

End of 1st half
COYOTES 28
RAIDERS 6

3rd quarter

10:11 Raiders force 3 and out
Their ball
8:58 Coyotes ball
They manage to run it in for another Coyote touchdown

34-6 Coyotes

Their attempt at PAT fails. So it’s
34-6 Coyotes

8:38 Raiders ball at 52 yard line
7:48 Coyotes ball
7:29 coyotes throw a pick Raiders 91 intercepts ball
Raiders ball at their 48 yard line
6:53 raiders try a sweep and fail to convert to a 1st.
Coyotes ball
5:24 injury timeout
#5 hurt on play. Carried off field
3:21 Raiders force a 3 and out
Their ball on the 20 yard line
1:42Turnover on downs Coyotes ball
Coyotes manage to run it in for touchdown

1:00 Raiders ball
Fail to convert by the end of the quarter. Coyotes ball
End of 3rd

4th quarter

10:45 raiders offside penalty loss of 5 yards
Coyotes push toward the ends one for a touchdown

They fail for a PAT try

3:48 turnover on downs coyotes ball
00:45Penalty on coyotes

1st down raiders

Final score

COYOTES 36
RAIDERS 6

Sunday, September 25th

Eastman Raiders vs Sunrise Coyotes. It was a rainy day but the Eastman Raiders spirits were not dampened.

The Raiders started strong with a short kick off return and an incredible run up the middle for a touch down. On the Sunrise Coyotes first possession of the game we saw some excellent tackling by the Raiders defence, they were on fire. Unfortunately it was not enough to hold the Coyotes, they were able to slip one into the end zone. On the Raiders second possession the O line was really doing their job, and they put another run up the middle, resulting in another touchdown. Then there was a game delay due to a fan on the wrong side of the field. The Raiders stayed warm and came back strong on defence with some more amazing tackles, coach was pretty pumped to see his players playing with some aggression. The Coyotes got away with one play that resulted in a long run for another touchdown, and then they recovered their own kick off, but the Raiders proved to be a force to great for them. No touchdown on this final possession of the half. The Raiders definitely out played the Coyotes in the first half.

In the second half we got more of the same from the Raiders. They recovered a Coyotes fumble, and turned it into a nice set of plays. With some great blocking and a speedy running back they completed for another touchdown. The Coyotes put together a few plays and managed to get a running back loose for a long run that resulted in a touchdown. On the next kick off the Raiders returned for a touchdown thanks the some more great blocking, a nice stiff arm, and quick legs. The Coyotes answered with a touchdown of their own. The Raiders scored again by assembling three successful plays, their running game was working well. The Raiders headed into the final 3 plays of the game ahead by a touchdown (technically they don’t keep score in Cruncher but everyone knows). Raiders defence didn’t give up, worked hard, and put out more great tackling. The game ended with a four on one Raiders chase down and a group tackle, stopping the Coyotes before the end zone.

Saturday, September 24th

Interlake Thunder vs Eastman Raiders (Atom Black).
Raiders kick, we hold Interlake at our 45 yard line for all 3 down attempts. Great tackles by Gavin Neufeld #22.
Raiders offence, makes 3 yards on our down attempts.
The Thunder runs the ball up to our 20 yard line where they are taken down again by #22. They gain 5 yards and are stopped at our 15 yard line.
A Raiders fumble puts the ball at our 10. We gain 10 yards on our tries which puts us up to our 20 yard line.
The Thunder is held at the 20 their first try but gains 10, and ends their downs with a touchdown, no conversions points. Thunder kicks from centre and the ball is at our 55.
Interlake Thunder 6,
Eastman Raiders 0
2nd quarter;
Penalties to the Interlake puts us at their 20 yard line. A great catch by #12, Toby Plett from #28, Jackson Penner had the Raiders a beautiful touchdown!!
Back to centre we kick to their 40. A penalty to the Interlake brings us to the 35. Our defence #25 Dylan Godlewski and #2 Elijah Sahulka keep the Thunder at our 40. The Raiders offence gains 5 yards the first two tries and the third run is intercepted by the Thunder where they are tackled by #8 Louden King. The Raiders defence keeps the Thunder at the 45.
Game tied at the half 6-6
3rd quarter;
Interlake kick, caught at our 35, run up to the 30. Thunder intercepts and is tackled at the 25. Raiders defence keeps Interlake at 25 yard line. We get put back near centre. The Raiders offence kicks on the third down, caught by the Interlake who are taken down by # 23 Manfred Klassen. Interlake possession at our 15, we hold them the first try. Second run sees #22 make a tackle at our 5 yard line. #22, Gavin Neufeld and #77, Xavier Lavay tackle again at the 5. Raider offence gets us up to our 10. Interception by Interlake is brought down by Raider #14, Kaden Coldwell. 5 yard penalty to Interlake, to our 15.
Interlake possession, run to our 10, followed by a touchdown, with the one point convert.
Interlake 13 Raiders 6
4th quarter;
Interlake kicks., and regains possession. Raiders defence keeps them at the 45. Another interception is made by Interlake Thunder, resulting in a touchdown, no convert. 19-6
Interlake kicks, Raiders catch and hold at our 45. We gain no field.
Penalty to Interlake Thunder brings the teams back to centre. The Thunder run the ball upfield within 5 yards of the Raiders goal line., they push through resulting in another touchdown, and a 1 point convert. 26-6
Thunder kick, Raiders catch at the 40. Thunder intercepts once again and run the ball in for a touchdown, and also get the one point conversion. 33-6
Interlake kick, caught and held at our 50. Offence is held without any gain. Interlake’s possession, gain five yards and tackled by #77, Xavier Lavay. Thunder gains 5 more yards and is stopped by Raiders #27, Jace Kasdorf.
Final score:
Interlake Thunder 33
Eastman Raiders 6

Saturday, September 17th

Sat.Sep.17 9:00 a.m.
A.D. Penner Park – Raiders’ Field

Eastman Bantam Raiders 40 Transcona Nationals 22

The sky was cloudy, it was 9 degrees to start and the fog was setting in. That’s when the wait started. Yes… a miscommunication meant the referees were 45 minutes late but the game DID begin and what a game followed.

Defense got the call to start and made a huge stop to begin the game… not even a first down for the Nationals. Offence tried some long throws, but didn’t capitalize, and when Transcona got the ball back our defense put some serious pressure on the quarterback but he found a way to get the ball away and that ended in a touchdown. The extra point was good. 7-0 Nationals.

Offence started the next drive with a good throw and a run but an interception by their #91 stopped it short and defense was back on. A bit of a march down the field by their #1 and #11, and somehow their quarterback, yes, #1, got out of our grasp 3 times and off he went for a 60 yard touchdown run! 14-0 Nationals.

Defense seemed to wake up at this point and got the ball back to us. Offence connected on a long pass, a late hit on our quarterback got us another 1st down, and then a punt by us. Great pursuit on the kick and they started their drive on their own 30 yard line. Awesome defense held them and our offense got going on their 20 yard line and we connected and held on for a TOUCHDOWN. 14-8 Nationals. A massive stop by the defense, catches started coming, strong running and a catch in traffic – touchdown!! The snap was on the money, a quick hold and great kick for 2 more. 16-14 Raiders!!

There was certainly drama to start the 2nd half. Transcona Nationals’ head coach decided to run onto the field and as a result was disqualified. It took him awhile to leave but away he went… and so did our offence. Some sweet plays, a hard push and into the end zone we went. Touchdown plus 2 points. 14-14 Raiders. The defence tackled with authority and their quarterback showed his displeasure which got him a misconduct penalty and gave us some extra yards to start our drive. Didn’t quite find the end zone on but the defence stopped them again. Offence found 3 different receivers and some late hits by the Nationals and we were knocking on the door once again and this time, walked right through – TOUCHDOWN! 32-14 Raiders!

A good long kick by us but unfortunately an even longer run back by their #88 for a touchdown made it 32-22 Raiders. A HUGE stop by our Raiders’ D once again, ball back to us, back to defense, back to offence, defense broke up some passing plays by them and we found the end zone for good measure. Final score 40-22.

Well done gentlemen!! Every game you learn something and perhaps this game taught us that patience is essential if you want to win a lot! You adjusted and you stayed classy. Consistently offering the opposing team a hand to help them up — even when it was refused shows GREAT character and that’s who we are. You, as players, showed amazing composure and you deserved that win!! WELL PLAYED!! GO RAIDERS!!

Sunday, September 18th

Raiders vs Sunrise Coyotes
Home game
Coyotes start off the game with a kick off returned by Raiders.
Raiders make a great running play for a touchdown by #44. Conversion scored by Raiders #33.
Coyotes return the ball after kickoff, Raiders #22 makes a great tackle.
Fumble by coyotes is retrieved by the Raiders. #12 & #33 make some good running plays resulting in 1st down.
2 incomplete throwing plays by the Raiders result in a turnover. Coyotes have a few running plays and are tackled by #66 & #33. Coyotes run the ball, score touchdown and the conversion is good. Raiders attempt a few incomplete throwing plays.
Halftime.
Second half starts with kickoff by #12 Raiders which is returned by coyotes. Great tackle by #66 & #22.
Coyotes make first down, then run the ball for a touchdown . Raiders suffer many injuries over the next few plays, and Coyotes dominate majority of the second half . Coyotes score another touchdown and conversion.
Kick by Coyotes returned by raiders for a touchdown by #44. Raiders also get the conversion. The game ends with an incomplete running play by the Coyotes.

Saturday, September 17th

Eastman Raiders, Atom Black VS Corydon Comets
Cool, sunny, early morning!
The opening quarter saw the Comets with many penalties moving our boys up field. An interception by the Comets gives the game its first touchdown.
End of first quarter, 6-0 Comets

Second quarter;
Began with a touchdown by the Comets. Comets defence is hard and keeps us at centre. Their offence gains yardage as our defence fights hard but the Comets get in for their third touchdown of the game.
Comets kick, we catch and gain yards on their turf. A penalty on them moves us up field. Play by play we are determined to make their goal line! And we do! A pass from #7, Ashton Bourget to #28, Jackson Penner gets us a beautiful touchdown!
End of second quarter, 18-6 Comets

Third quarter;
Raiders offence is on the field, we are unsuccessful at our down attempts. Comets ball, our defence is out and ON IT! Great tackles by #22, Gavin Neufeld! We start back at centre, Comets first down at our 40. A great tackle again by Raiders keeps the Comets back. The Comets make a nice play resulting in another touchdown. They are successful at the kick for the two point convert.
26-6
Raiders come back and get a second touchdown. Our convert attempt is denied.
End of third 26-12

Fourth quarter;
Comets at our end, fake a play that fools our boys and results in a touchdown for Comets.
Another touchdown for Comets.
Comets make a throw with a great catch to gain many many yards up field, they get a seventh touchdown.

42 Comets 12 Raiders Final

Saturday, September 17th

Eastman Raiders vs Corydon Comets

1st Quarter

1st play of game, nice pass was completed to #5 Austin Neufeld
Quarterback scrambles for 15 yard gain.
Raiders intercept ball on Comets first possession.
Comets punt and kick was blocked by #93 Evan Fouillard
End of quarter, score 0-0

2nd quarter

Eastman fumbles ball in first possession of second quarter.
Comets gain 20 yards on the ground up to Eastman 10.
Comets score TD
Convert kick is good. 8-0 Comets
Interception made by Raiders #86 Devon Karlenzig
Raiders have ball on own 35
Comets score on a 25 yard run, kick is good, 16-0 Comets.
End of quarter, score remains 16-0 Comets.
Half Time

3rd Quarter

Comets start with ball and quarterback is sacked on 3rd down by #36 Jerome Fouillard Raiders ball.
Comets get back ball and gain 20 yards on the ground.
Comets run in 11 yards for the touchdown. Kick is no good, score is 22-0.
End of quarter, scores are still 22-0 Comets.

4th Quarter

Eastman had ball on the 50 and Comets intercepted a pass attempt with 7:52 remaining.
Comets intercept Eastman again and runs it all the way to Eastman 1yard line. Comets score and kick is not good. Score is 28-0 with 2:57 remaining.
Comets intercept again but fumbles it on their first play.
Another interception from the Comets with 37 sec left. Comets take knee and game ends with a score of 28-0 Comets.
Eastman suffered a few injuries, hope the boys are ok.

Saturday, September 10th

Kickoff to Raiders, fumble; nomads ball nomads score 6 points no extra point
Kickoff to Raiders, covered by #7 Ashton Bourget; Raiders ball
1st run by #2 Elijah Sahulka, no gain
2nd run by #2 Elijah Sahulka, no gain
3rd run by #7 Ashton Bourget, no gain
Nomads ball, tackled by #27 Jace Kasdorf and #22 Gavin Neufeld
2nd attempt, tackled by #28 Jackson Penner and #25 Dylan Godlewski
3rd attempt, tackled by #22 Gavin Neufeld
Raiders ball, covered by #22 Gavin Neufeld
1st, 2nd and 3rd, all runs by #12 Toby Plett; no gain
Nomads ball tackled by #22 Gavin Neufeld, #25 Dylan Godlewski and #77 Xavier Lavay
2nd attempt, tackled by #14 Laden Coldwell and #25 Dylan Godlewski
3rd attempt, tackled by #28 Jackson Penner; no gain
Raiders ball, run by #2 Elijah Sahulka; small gain
2nd run by #2 Elijah Sahulka; no gain
3rd run by #2 Elijah Sahulka small gain;
Nomads ball, intercept #64 Cody Tkachuk
Raiders ball run by #28 Jackson Penner; small gain
2nd run by #7 Ashton Bourget; small gain
3rd run by #24 Jack Leppelmann; small gain
Nomads ball, intercept by #2 Elijah Sahulka; no gain
Nomads ball, tackled by #22 Gavin Neufeld, #24 Jack Leppelmann and #14 Kaden Coldwell
2nd attempt, tackled by #12 Toby Plett; no gain
3rd attempt, Nomads score; no extra point
Raiders ball, fumble Nomads recover and a tackle by #22 Gavin Neufeld
2nd attempt, tackled by #22 Gavin Neufeld and #77 Xavier Lavay
3rd attempt, tackled by #22 Gavin Neufeld, #14 Kaden Coldwell
Halftime
Nomads ball, tackled by #28 Jackson Penner, #22 Gavin Neufeld and #25 Dylan Godlewski
2nd attempt, tackled by #22 Gavin Neufeld
3rd attempt, tackled by #22 Gavin Neufeld and #64 Cody Tkachuk
Raiders ball run by #7 Ashton Bourget; small gain
2nd run by #2 Elijah Sahulka; small gain
3rd run by #30 Jacob Palmer; small gain
Nomads ball, tackled by #22 Gavin Neufeld and #83 Wilson Don; no gain
2nd attempt, tackled by #55 Laden Gunn, #22 Gavin Neufeld and #28 Jace Kasdorf
3rd attempt, tackled by #22 Gavin Neufeld
Raiders ball run by #7 Ashton Bourget; small gain
2nd run by #2 Elijah Sahulka; small gain
3rd run by #30 Jacob Palmer; small gain
Nomads ball tackled by #28 Jackson Penner, #22 Gavin Neufeld and #25 Dylan Godlewski; no gain
2nd attempt, tackled by #22 Gavin Neufeld
3rd attempt, sack by #65 Tyler Howe and #22 Gavin Neufeld
Raiders ball run by #12 Toby Plett; turnover by Raiders
Tackled by #22 Gavin Neufeld and #25 Dylan Godlewski
2nd tackle by #22 Gavin Neufeld
End of game, Final Score – Nomads – 12; Raiders – 0

Sunday, September 11th

Post Notes – Sunday September 11th.

It was a battle of the defensive squads with both teams holding each other in check through much of the game. Starting with the kickoff by the Eagles which was held in Raiders territory. After holding the Raiders, the Eagles took possession. Raiders 17 managed a great push and tackle behind the line to put the Eagles far back for first down. Raiders 5 spotted the reverse for a great tackle and a turnover to the Raiders. Raiders 13 managed a good run and some field position, but 3 downs was not enough. The Eagles mis-snap on their 20 forced them to punt for field position. Raiders 63 had some big tackles to hold position and Raiders 16 recovered a fumble to give the Raiders offense another try. A pass to Raiders 67 was successful but not enough and it was Eagles ball starting the 2nd quarter. The Eagles managed a breakthrough to score the first TD of the game.

A big tackle by Raiders 5 for gave them the ball on their 35 yard line. The defensive squads took turns holding for multiple turnovers with great work by Raiders 6 and 5. A big sack by 6 put the Raiders in control at their 50 yard line and Raiders 13 run gave them a first down. Raiders 33 runs gave them the yards for another first down and a touchdown near the end of the half. The score at halftime was 7-6 for the Raiders.

The 2nd half started well with a good kick return by the Raiders but a fumble on the reverse handoff turned the ball over to the Eagles. Raiders 57&5&1 held them in place to take the ball. A successful pass to Raiders 8 gave them some good yards. Unfortunately the defensive battle continued. Late in the 4th quarter a high tackle gave the Eagles great position to score one more time and push them over the top. Final score Raiders 7, Eagles 13.

Saturday, September 10th

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!!!!