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.

1st Quarter

Raiders opened the game kicking off to the Comets. Raiders were close to recovering the kick but comets were very fortunate to pounce on it to give them the ball at their own 43 yard line. On the opening play of the game #5 carried the ball 67 yds for the comet touchdown. Convert attempt was unsuccessful thanks to a great tackle by Joshua .6-0. Not the start the Raiders were looking for on this sweltering day. Raiders took possession at their own 43 yard line but sputtered on offence going 3 and out giving the ball to the comets. Two great sacks one by Aiden B and the other by Cameron T put the Comets 3rd and long. Some sloppy tackling and a 43 yard run by #5 put the home side up 13-0. Things went from bad to worse with the Comets recovering the ensuing kickoff. Now the defense decided to come and play forcing the comets 3 and out with some great tackles from Anthony and Cole. Eastman took over and started moving the ball with Sawyer running for 25yds on a quarterback draw. A Roughing the passer call and the Raiders were looking good but 3 plays later they were intercepted giving the ball back to the comets.

2nd Quarter

A quick 3 and out with some great tackling by Cameron and the Raiders took over on downs. A great 25 yard run by Payton and the raiders were marching the ball once more. Unfortunately a few bad snaps saw the Raiders going the wrong way and the Comets took over on downs. Great tackling by Cameron, Cole and Mareanna saw the Comets go 3 and out. Eastman took the ball and after a huge loss Aidan A scampered for 15yds and fell short of the first down. After a first down the Comets go 3 and out with Cole making some superb tackles. With halftime quickly approaching the Raiders looked to get some points on the board. On 3rd down Payton on a quarterback draw gained 25 yards thanks to a bone crushing block by Sawyer. Again on 3rd down the Raiders gained another 12yards to put them on the comets 35yard line but unfortunately the whistle blew and that was the half with the comets up 13-0.

3rd Quarter

With defense humming right along it was up to the offence to make a game of this. The Raiders received the kick off and Cole pounced on it just in time to give the Raiders a first down at their own 45 yard line. 3 and out and the comets took over. The defense really stiffened in the 2nd half not allowing a first down with some great team tackling. Midway through the 3rd quarter saw Eastman strut their stuff. Mason gained 7yds on first down. After a 5 yard loss Sawyer electrified the visitors on a naked boot leg for a 45 yard gain. This set up the Raiders at the comet 7 yard line where Mason took over and ran for a 7 yd touchdown. With the convert good this made the score 13-7. Now things were getting interesting. Eastman threw an interception to end the quarter but were right back in it heading into the 4th

4th Quarter

Anthony was a wrecking machine in the final frame with several tackles for losses. On the Raiders first possession of the final frame they were looking to flip the field. After a 2 yard gain by Aiden B, Aidan A electrified the bench with 30 yard romp down to the Comets 20 yard line. Things were looking good but after a couple key injuries on the offence side of the ball Eastman couldn’t get past the Comets 13yard line and fell short of their comeback. After a slow start this bunch played some outstanding football and looked like the better team. A few blocks here and there and this game was theirs. Great effort all around in the sweltering heat.

#66 (Joshua) good tackle right off the kick, #5 (Austin) tackle after a pursuit #35 (Noah)good team work allowed him gain some yards, #5 touchdown with #35 getting the conversion. #50 (Devon) great kick with #66 getting the tackle at the 30yrd mark. Another tackle by #66 made the opposition not gain any yrds. #13 (Eric) great tackle after a pass play by the other team. #82 (Boston) made them loose additional yrds with the tackle. #82 recovered the ball off the kickoff and ran it to the endzone for a touchdown. #5 scored the conversion. #50 big tackle. #82 stopped them with a great tackle when they cameup the middle. #13 intercepted the ball on a pass play from the other team. #13 caught a pass and took it up the field for a touchdown. #13 diving tackle to get one that almost got away.

This past Saturday the Crunchers Grey visited the La Salle Lightning on a nice but windy day. The boys got off to a great start as #40 ran a nice play in for a touchdown. On the following series the defence stepped up and forced a turnover. The running game was working quite well as #45 and #40 combined on two great runs, resulting in another touchdown. La Salle got back into the game on a couple of great kickoff returns. The defence was working really hard and the work is starting to pay off as the boys are getting the hang of tackling. The secon half resulted in two more touchdowns by #40 and #45. The boys are really starting to work together as a team as the blocking on offence as really improved from those first couple games. They worked hard and are steadily improving each practice and game. Great work guys!

It was a “balmy day” at Raider field on Sunday, August 18. Although both the Peewee and Atom teams played in the rain, the Crunchers Black team battled against the Nomads in humid heat. Our defense hit the field first and great tackles were made by Austin, Gavin N.and Eric. Although the Nomads scored a touchdown, Boston stopped them from crossing the goal line for a conversion. The Raiders answered back, however, when Eric used the rockets in his shoes and returned the kickoff to score a TD. A great kick by Devon, and more great tackles were delivered by Eric, Austin and Gavin N. However, the Nomads get a big gain and score despite Austin’s “never give up” chase. The offense returns to the field and blocks effectively to allow Austin into the end zone to score the Raiders second major. After another great kick by Devon, Joshua recovers a fumble that brings the offense back on the field. Noah runs the ball in for another touchdown and Eric runs in for the conversion. After Boston loses a tooth in his mouth guard, the Raiders run to the bench for a well deserved half-time break in this blistering heat!

The second half is all Raiders…scoring touchdowns with nice carries by Noah and Austin. However, the Raider defense also did their part by keeping the Nomads to 1 touchdown and scoring their own touchdown when Devon forced a fumble and Gavin N. ran into the end zone. The game ended with Eric running in for a convert. Strong team game, Raiders! Great job! Go Raiders Go!

It was a far cry from a “balmy day” at Raider field on Sunday, August 18. The Atom Black Raiders proved they were not to be affected by the weather as they battled the rain and the Nomads. Teddy was handed the ball to run for a first down and landed us up in great field position. Then Sawyer ran in for a touchdown to put the Raiders up on the scoreboard early in the first quarter. Teddy was then given a second opportunity to cross the goal line and succeeded. 7-0 Raiders. Logan then made a short kick with Aidan recovering the ball – Raider ball! After another touchdown scored by the Raiders, Logan made another amazing short kick that was again recovered by the Raiders! This time the Nomads made it more difficult for the Raiders to get into the end zone, but a couple of great throws were made by QB Payton. By the end of the first quarter, the Raiders led 20-0.

In the second quarter the Raider defense continued to do a fantastic job of keeping the Nomads from getting a first down. Blasting tackles by Cole and Anthony brought our offense back on the field where carries by Mason and Bryson made it possible for the Raiders to score their 4th major. As it began to pour, Cole recovered a fumble to bring our offense back on the field. Payton and Bryson made carries to cross the goal line one more time. With another great kick by Logan and a 3 and out defensive stance by Joshua, Anthony, Cole, Logan, Brady, Corbin, Aiden Jonah and Cameron….the Raiders offense returned to the field. Great blocking by the offense consisting of Aidan, Noah, Mason, Teddy, Payton and Bryson made it possible for the Raiders to score.

Unfortunately, thunder, lightning and pouring rain caused the game to called near the end of the second quarter. Final score 30 – 0. Another great game, Raiders! Another great team effort! You proved that weather won’t stop you! Way to go!

Our game started with a kick off by Cazden that was
stopped quickly by our defense  With a tackle by Asher, our boys
pushed the Mustangs into their end zone for a safety.   Our offence
came out with a good run by Gavin. We had a bit of a fumble that was
quickly recovered. A couple of great hand offs by Kian and a few good
runs by Gavin and Bauer.  Our defense came out strong with a kick by
Jerome, with a great tackle by Jerome and Treyton.   Mikka followed
it up with 2 beautiful sacks, causing a fumble that Treyton
recovered.  Mikka came up to help our offence by taking down 2 opponents
making sure that Bauer had plenty of room to run, making a touch
down. We didn’t get the convert.

Our defense came out with a kick by Noah, an amazing
tackle by Treyton, another tackle by Cazden, and our defence working
together to keep the Mustangs offence scrambling. Just before the
half, our offence tried a few passes, the first missing, and the
second starting with a hand off from Kian to Bauer who passed it to Gavin.

Asher started the second half with the kick, with
Bauer stopping the Mustangs return with a tackle.  Noah stopped the
next run by forcing his Mustang opponent out of bounds. The Mustangs
finished up their drive with a touchdown, but Asher came in with a
tackle to prevent the Mustang convert.  After a bit of a scramble
Cazden returned the Mustang kick, followed by a couple runs by Gavin,
and a  touchdown pass from Bauer to Gavin. No Convert.  Kean`s kick
return was  quickly stopped by Treyton and Mikka, and our boys
recovering the fumble. With Bauer quickly recovering our own fumble,
he had a clear path up the middle of the field for a touchdown.  Even
with Gavin working so hard and trying to keep pushing his way through
we didn`t get the convert.  Our defense came back with a couple more
tackles by Cazden, our offence helped  Bauer with another touchdown,
no convert. Another great game played by our boys!

Crunchers Black kicked off the first half and on the first Eagles drive the ball was intercepted by #50 Devon and ran in for a TD. This was quickly followed up by a convert from #5 Austin. Following the Raiders kick off, a big tackle from #5 Austin prevented the Eagles from gaining a first down. Two plays later the Eagles fumbled and the ball was recovered by #5 Austin. From this turnover #5 Austin ran in for his second TD of the game. This time the convert was scored by #35 Noah. On the next Eagles drive the ball was again intercepted by #50 Devon who was run out of bound preventing his second score of the game. On the next drive #5 Austin ran in for another TD, and the convert was made by #35. The ensuing kickoff was recovered by the Raiders and on this drive #35 Noah ran in for a TD and #5 Austin for the convert.

The Raiders kicked off the second half and with Eagles moving the ball up the field another big tackle this time from #63 Gavin H prevented what would have been a certain TD. This broke up the Eagles play and the ball was turned over on downs. On the next drive the Raiders #35 Noah ran 40 yards to score his second TD of the game, with #5 Austin running in the convert. Following the kick of the Raiders defense forced a turnover on down deep in Eagles territory from which #13 Eric ran in for a TD; however the Eagles blocked the convert attempt this time round. Again following the kickoff the Eagles got some momentum going but a last ditch tackle from #55 Gavin N prevented the Eagles from scoring on the very last play of the game.

Good Job Raiders.

A cloudy cool morning greeted the eager players and bleary eyed fans as the Eastman Raider Bantams rolled into Charleswood to play the Broncos. The first half of the game was characterized by solid run the play by the Raiders. #31 Will Cruise and #32 Jack Lenchychyn both had long rushes for touchdowns behind solid team blocking. Quarterback #12 Austin Buehler also rambled for several runs including two touchdowns in the first half. One interception by Buehler was the only setback in an otherwise impressive first half offensively. The defense look spectacular with their run stopping force often provided by several players tackling the running back together. An interception by number #80 Luganda Mongolia for 35 yards run back for a touchdown was another defensive highlight. Pick six baby!  Special teams were very solid at both ends of the ball and the first half ended with a score of 36-0 in favor of the of the Raiders

In the second-half, the sun came out and the Raiders continued their domination on both sides of the ball. The Broncos mounted a couple of drives but the Raiders defense did not break even though assessed several penalties. The Raiders produced one touchdown score in the second half, a 60 yard run by #33 Tyler Bueckert. The Raiders were comfortable moving the ball and the defense and special teams played very well. The shut-out victory for the Raiders was characterized by swarm tackles, tackles in the backfield, and great special teams play. The offense displayed solid run blocking and ability to spread the ball around to different offensive weapons.

It was a cool, foggy morning when the Pee Wee Eastman Raiders’ parents drove their athletes to the field. It was an exciting morning because this was it — our first regular season game. Our first game against the newly amalgamated Corydon Comets. So, here’s how it went:

Crunchers Grey took to the field for their first official game of the season on Saturday to play the Nomads. For many of the players, it was the first time that they had ever stepped on a football field to play a live regular season game. After a few plays on both offence and defence to knock the butterflies out, the players settled in and started to get the hang of things.  On Offence, we had some great runs by our running back (#4) and our fullback (#48), all made possible by some solid blocking from our offensive line. The Defence held up when it counted and made some key tackles down the stretch. We had good tackling by #’s 45 and 40 and a timely fumble recovery by #12. Congratulations to the Raiders Grey team for getting that first game under their belt!

In the first half, Eastman Raiders William Cruise (#31) scored the first touchdown in the game, but the Raiders were unable to convert the touchdown.  The defense were able to hold the nationals and the offense was again able to capitalize when Gabriel Funk (#91) received a 25 yard pass and ran 46 yards for the Raiders 2^nd touchdown.  Unfortunately the Raiders again were unable to convert.  The Nationals game back and were able to score a touchdown but the Raiders defense were able to block the convert.  The Raiders offense then responded with a 10 yard pass to William Cruise (#31) who then ran another 49 yards for the Raiders 3^rd touchdown of the game.  The Raiders were able to convert on their 3^rd attempt of the game.  At the end of the first half, the Raiders led the game with a score of 20 to 6.

The Nationals came out strong in the second half and opened the scoring with a touchdown but were unable to convert as the Raiders defense blocked the attempt. The Raiders offense had an unfortunate break when the Nationals were able to intercept the ball.  The Raiders defense were able to hold the Nationals and gained possession. Each team took turns on possessing the ball but were unable to capitalize until the Raiders completed a 10 yard pass to Jack Lenchyshyn (#32) who then ran the ball to the Nationals 8 yard line allowing the Raiders to follow in with a quarter back sneak by Austin Buhler (#12) up the middle for the Raiders 4^th Touchdown.  The Raiders were able to convert.  The Nationals did not back down easy as they came back with another Touchdown but again were unable to convert as the Raiders defense blocked the punt.  The Raiders offense then made a sequence of running plays allowing the Raiders to score their 5^th touchdown of the game complete with a good conversion.  The Nationals responded promptly by then running the kick-off return for their 4^th touchdown of the game and were able to convert their 4^th attempt.  The Raiders offense responded with a quarter back sneak by Austin Buhler (#12) who scored the Raiders 6^th touchdown.  The Raiders completed the conversion and ended the game with a score of 44 to 26.  A great effort.

In the first quarter, the Raiders #22 Logan Kraus kicked off with no return by the Rods. 2^nd down #86 for Rods attempts throw as #22 Logan Kraus blocks the throw. 3^rd down Rods turnover on downs making it Raiders ball. 1^st down #60 Teddy Neufled carries the ball on a good run for a 1^st down. The offence rushes for yards with #21 Cole Rickey, a catch by #50 Payton Esau from # 9 Sawyer Thiessen. This leads to a touchdown by #9 Sawyer Thiessen, with the extra point  carried across the line by #21 Cole Rickey. With 8:05 on the clock the Raiders Kick a short one, the Rods fumble the ball and Raiders recover it on the 50 yard line. The offence rush the ball as #60 Teddy Neufeld crosses the end zone, with flags on the play the raiders reset with a 2^nd and 15. A few short carries and a QB sneak brings a huge 40 yard touchdown by # 9 Sawyer Thieesen, and the extra point is good with a throw from #9 Sawyer Thieesen to # 50 Payton Esau. Raiders kick with Rods # 26 picking up the ball, huge tackle by raiders # 16 Anthony Flaming at the 45. The defense only allow a few yards and no 1^st downs as Raiders receive the ball turnover on downs. With 3:52 on the clock its the Raiders ball on the 50. 1^st down carry by # 60 Teddy Neufeld adds another touchdown and six more points on the scoreboard, and the extra point is good on a carry, Raiders kick once again. #16 Anthony Fleming recovers the ball and the offence is brought on the field. Ball is on the 45, #9 Sawyer Thiessen carries the ball for a 50 yard run into the end zone for a touchdown. Extra point attempt is no good as the carry is stopped by the rods Raiders kick, once again raiders recover the ball as the rods struggle with their defence. A few short gains by the Raiders offence as this ends the quarter

In the second quarter the Raiders control the ball for a 3 minutes on the clock and handoff to # 21 Cole Rickey touchdown Raiders with the extra point carry for #60 Teddy Neufeld. Raiders Kick a short one. Huge tackle by #93 Cameron Toews-Brindle and #63 Dylan Fleming on third down turns ball back to raiders offence. 1^st down #24 Aidan Avanthay carries the ball for 55 yards Touchdown! Extra point carry by # 38 Mason Esau, and the clock is ticking with no stopping this Raiders Offence! Raiders kick, and Rods attempt 3 downs and can not move the ball. Raiders defense push back the offence for loss of yards. At 1:25 Raiders ball on turnover of downs #38 Mason Esau carries for another touchdown Raiders, and the extra point is thrown with # 9 Sawyer Thiessen catching #50 Payton Esau’s throw

After halftime, the Rods kick the ball to start the second half, and Raiders control the field for six minutes on the clock. Touchdown for # 38 Mason Esau from a perfect throw from # 50 Payton Esau. A nice run into the end zone for the extra point by # 4 Bryson Friesen. The raiders kick with a short possession by the Rods and turn it over on downs to the Raiders. With 2:12 on the clock left in the third quarter, and the ball on the 45 yard line, Raiders make a couple quick first downs. With :22 seconds on the clock, Raiders run a reverse and #38 Mason Esau  runs into the end zone for another Raiders touchdown. The extra point kick attempt is no good. This ends the 3^rd quarter.

At the start of the fourth quarter, Raiders kick. #84 of the Rods picks up the ball, and is crushed by #4 Bryson Friesen and recovers the ball. Raiders use 2 downs with short gains and losses, third down creates a fumble and Rods end up with the ball. At 9:28 left in the game the Rods do not have enough players to complete the game and forfeit. Final Score 30-0

The Transcona pre-season tournament was a fun start to our 2013 season!  The players on the Atom Black team have already proven that they have the commitment, stamina and great attitude necessary to have a very successful season.  Players played on both sides of the ball, in various positions and still kept the TD scale tipped to the Raider side, only allowing 2 TDs to be scored against them the whole weekend.  The coaches are very proud of the effort put into every play, both by the veterans and the rookies.  There were plenty of great runs and kicks, good blocking, and crunching tackles.  In fact, it is difficult to record all the tremendous plays that were executed which gave the spectators lots to cheer about.   Great work, everyone!  There were a few players acknowledged for their offensive and defensive performances….

Game 1 –  offense – Dylan Fleming #63, defense – Aiden Brindle #67

Game 2 – offense – Teddy Neufeld #60, defense – Cameron Toews-Brindle #93

Game 3 – offense – Alexander Kornelson #66, defense – Cole Rickey #21

Congratulations Atom Black for a fantastic tournament!  We look forward to a great season!

The Raiders Atom Black took on the Transcona Nationals Maroon team early Saturday morning.  However, the early morning didn’t seem to be a problem for the Raiders as they not only scored numerous touchdowns, but kept the Nationals to 2 first downs the entire game.  The Raiders’ first touchdown was run into the end zone by rookie Bryson Friesen #4.  The defense spent a short time on the field with their great tackling led by Anthony Flaming #16.  Mason Esau #38 scored our second touchdown by a great kick return and #2 Mareanna Magonya ran into the end zone to score the convert.  We ended the first half with #24 Aidan Avanthay carrying the ball to score another TD.

The second half of the game was just as strong, keeping the Nationals out of the red zone with some great tackling and effective blocking done by the O-line.  #67 Aiden Brindle had an amazing QB sack to bring the offense back on the field.  But what about that slippery #63 Dylan Fleming!  Great spin moves and some big tenacity saw him carry the ball in for another Raider Touchdown.