Portland Rolls past Lansing Catholic one win away from a share of the conference Title

Last Friday, October 2nd, the Portland Raiders traveled to Lansing Catholic and left victorious. The game started with a touchdown from Carson Spenski, putting the Raiders ahead 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.

From then on, the Raiders kicked it into another gear. Spenski found the end zone twice in the second quarter, while quarterback Carson Simon threw two touchdowns — one to Kehyan Page and another to Alex Atwell.

The offensive masterclass from the Raiders didn’t stop there, as they continued to pile on the points in the second half. Spenski found the end zone for the fourth time of the night, while Hunter Burgoyne added another touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Portland’s defense has continued its dominant play, holding Lansing Catholic to just 10 first downs throughout the entire game.

Portland also put up huge offensive numbers. Carson Simon completed 75% of his passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Carson Spenski had 13 carries for 162 yards and four touchdowns. Last but certainly not least, receiver Kehyan Page had one reception for an 83-yard touchdown, a play that perfectly described the momentum the Raiders carried throughout the game.

After the game, I caught up with both Carson Spenski and Kehyan Page.

I asked Carson how he was feeling after his big four-touchdown night.

“Feeling good. We’re one more game till sharing the league title, so we’ve just gotta keep pushing, and I’m excited to keep going.”

I followed up by asking if it was just a share or if there was a scenario where Portland could win the league title outright.

“I hope we win it outright. I also know we’re gonna win it outright.”

I then asked Carson, based on how dominant of a year he has had, if he believes he is the best running back in the conference. He responded:

“I really do. I’ve been dominant in all phases of the game. I’ve honestly been running over people somehow too, so I’ve just gotta keep everything up and keep scoring.”

Up next was Kehyan Page. Kehyan had a receiving touchdown as well as an interception against Lansing Catholic.

I told Kehyan that Portland isn’t known for throwing the ball, but I feel as though he is giving the Raiders every reason to air it out.

“He said in the next couple of weeks we will be facing some harder matchups. We will be forced to throw it a little bit more, but right now our run game is so dominant, we really don’t have a reason to pass.”

I followed up by asking Kehyan how he feels about playing for a share of the league title.

“I’m really excited. These next couple weeks will be good for us. Get a couple wins, get the league title, and then we’ve got Unity Christian to end the regular season.”

I then asked him, for a team that doesn’t throw the ball all that much, if he believes he is the best receiver in the conference.

“I definitely feel like I’m up there. With more opportunities, I feel like I can show that I am.”

The Raiders will face Eaton Rapids this Friday night, playing for a share of the league title. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m.