Raiders Pummel Greyhounds 51 to 0

On a cool wet night, the Raiders traveled to Eaton Rapids looking to lock up at least a share of the CAAC White. Much like the weather, the Greyhounds started out by not cooperating.

The Greyhounds lined up to kick off to the Raiders but the Greyhounds caught the Raider kick return team sleeping by recovering a short onside kick. After a short drive, the Greyhounds lined up to attempt a field goal. The Raider defense got a push and Sr. NG Dylan Arthur got a hand on the kick that was scooped up by Sr. CB Hunter Hohman who returned the ball out to the 50-yard line. The Raider Offense marched methodically down the field as Jr. FB Blake Meyers capped off the drive with a 4-yard TD. Sr. K Tate Dziewiatowski converted the extra point after Meyers made a nice recovery on the snap putting the Raiders up 7-0 with 4:36 left in the 1st Qtr.

Just over a minute later, Sr. CB Mitch Mallek would recover a Greyhound fumble on the Greyhound 18-yard line. Jr. QB Brody Smith found Sr. SB Trevor Lattimer for an 18-yard TD pass. With 3:08 left in the 1st quarter, Dziewiatowski converted the extra point. After the 1st Qtr. Portland 14 Eaton Rapids 0.

After the Greyhounds punted the ball to the Raiders, Lattimer raced 58 yards for his 2nd TD of the game. Dziewiatowski converted the extra point. With 10:20 left in the half, Portland 21 Eaton Rapids 0. With 6:06 left in the 1st half, Sr. SB Jake Veale scored from 5 yards out after a completion from Jr. QB Owen Russell to Sr. WR Blake Patrick set the Raider Offense up on the Greyhound 5-yard line. The extra point was no good.

The Raider defense, which has been a dominant presence throughout the game, flexed its muscle when Sr. DT Bobby Brandsen scooped up a fumbled Greyhound punt attempt to score from 7 yards out. Dziewiatowski would convert the extra point to make the score Portland 34 Eaton Rapids 0 with 4:45 left in the 1st half.

The Raider defense would then force a turnover on downs which led to Russell again hooking up with Patrick. This time Russell found Patrick open in the back of the end zone for an 11-yard TD strike. Dziewiatowski converted the extra point putting Portland up 41-0 with 49.1 seconds left in the half. The score would stay Portland 41 Eaton Rapids 0 at halftime.

The Raider scoring attack was not done in the 2nd half. On 2nd and 7, Jr. SB Jordan Selby busted a 61-yard TD. Dziewiatowski converted the extra point putting the Raiders up 48 to 0. End of 3rd Qtr. Portland 48 Eaton Rapids 0

In the 4th Qtr. The Raider defense would come up with another turnover when Jr. DB Ty Snitgen came up with an interception and nifty return to the Greyhound 15-yard line. On 4th down, Dziewiatowski came on to attempt a 24-yard FG with 4:47 left in the game. Final Portland 51 Eaton Rapids 0

The Raiders now go to 6-0 (3-0). A share of the CAAC White is locked up but I can tell you from talking to players and coaches.......no one is satisfied. An outright title is what each player expects.

After the game Coach John Novara said, "I thought our kids played hard and did a good job tonight, they have earned a spot in the state playoffs and secured at least a share of the league title. We need to keep getting better this week and get focused for next week’s game at Ionia. " Rushing Blake Meyers 6 for 34 Jacob Veale 8 for 44 Gavin McGregor 2 for 7 Brody Smith 3 for 9 Trevor Lattimer 2 for 64 Jordan Selby 2 for 68 Hunter Hoppes 3 for 23 Paton Russell 2 for 8 Zach Schrauben 3 for 14 Passing Brody Smith 2 for 4 for 33 1 TD Owen Russell 2 for 3 for 29 1 TD Receiving Blake Patrick 2 for 26 1 TD Trevor Lattimer 1 for 18 1 TD Blake Meyers 1 for 18