Raiders Pummel Gladiators

On an unseasonably warm September Friday Night, the Portland Raiders (2-1) traveled to Fowlerville (1-2) to begin conference play. In a dominating performance, Portland beat Fowlerville 42-7, controlling the play from both sides of the ball.

The offense started things off with Senior FB Dean Battley taking it 52 yards to the house, on the second offensive play of the game on a well blocked play to open up the scoring. Junior K Tate Dziewiatkowski would come on to convert the extra point putting the Raiders up 7-0.

Portland’s Defense then came out and established their presence. For a group that has been slow to establish themselves as a force this season, it sure looked as though they found their mojo and a very big piece to the puzzle with Junior NT Dylan Arthur. Arthur had easily his best game of his young Varsity career. Arthur was a factor on many plays in an excellent nine tackle, two sack performance.

After getting the ball back, Portland proceeded to let Senior QB Austin Allison air it out to Junior WR Blake Patrick. On 3rd down Fowlerville would fumble the ball with Portland recovering on the Fowlerville 20-yard line. The very next play Allison again would go to the air to find Senior WR Gavin Dennany going airborne for an acrobatic catch in the end zone. Dziewaiatowski would convert on both extra-point kicks. With 2:11 left in the 1st Quarter Portland had put up 21 points and never looked back.

Senior RB Brock Gross would finish up the 1st Half scoring with an 11 yard Touchdown run. The extra point from Dziewaiatowski was good. Gross would finish with seven carries for 74 yards and a TD on the game. Senior RB Gavin Thelen would score in the 3rd Quarter with a 13-yard Touchdown run. Dziewaiatowski’s extra point was good. Junior WR Hunter Hohman would finish the Raider scoring with a 30-yard Touchdown reception from Allison. The Dziewaiatowski extra point was good. Allison would finish the game five for five for 95 yards and three TD’s.

The Raider Defense only allowed the Gladiators to cross the 50 once in the 1st Half. The Raider Defensive Line was able to get pressure on Fowlerville Quarterback Geoff Knaggs all game long. Senior Cornerback Landon Kehr played a strong game breaking up a few passing plays. Senior LB Devin Miller had a strong nine tackle and one sack performance.

The Offensive Line’s performance cannot be left out. They came out and laid the smack down on the Fowlerville Defensive Line. Opening up some nice holes and blocking well overall all game.

Head Coach John Novara said after the game, “We finally put things together tonight. Our Offensive line played great and we had 6 different people score a touchdown. It was a great team effort and everybody got to play. Hopefully we can build from this point and continue to improve. We had fun tonight, and it showed in our performance.”

Next up for Portland (3-1, 1-0) is a familiar rival in Lansing Catholic (4-0, 2-0). Basically, this will be the CAAC White Title game. Reminder to those that are travelling to the game this Friday, any “parking charges” are not mandatory and is regarded as a “donation”.