Raiders Punch Their Ticket to the District Final

Portland has been dealt quite the challenge when it comes to the road ahead in the Division 4 playoffs, but no team is too big or too bad for the Raiders. In Round 1, Portland faced off against Paw Paw, an 8-1 team coming into the matchup with a talented pair of running backs and a solid defense.

It was a dogfight between the two teams for the majority of the game, although the momentum seemed to stay on the Raiders' sideline early on. Portland came out firing, as a 57-yard run from Alex Atwell set up Carson Simon to punch it into the end zone for six, giving the Raiders an early lead. From the very beginning, I thought Portland was going to have a field day, but Paw Paw quickly responded with a touchdown of its own, making it 8-7.

The Raiders answered back, taking a 15-7 lead with a rushing touchdown from Alex Atwell. Both teams came out of halftime strong defensively, as neither team managed to find the end zone in the third quarter.

Early in the fourth, Paw Paw's Kaelin Tate found the end zone, but after failing to convert the two-point conversion, the Raiders held onto their lead at 15-13. Portland was looking to slam the door shut and walk away with the victory, and Carson Simon had the honors of driving the final nail into the coffin. Simon scored his second rushing touchdown of the game late in the fourth quarter, securing a 22-13 victory for the Raiders and punching their ticket to the District Final.

Alex Atwell led the team in rushing on the night, finishing with nine carries for 75 yards and a touchdown. Carson Simon completed 6 of 13 passes for 72 yards through the air while also contributing six carries for 29 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Leading the Raiders in receiving yards was Kehyan Page, who finished with two receptions for 34 yards.

After the game, I caught up with Portland's Kehyan Page to get his thoughts on the victory and what lies ahead for the Raiders.

I first asked Kehyan about his overall thoughts on the win and how it felt to come away with such a big victory in Round 1.

 "Feels good. Everyone played good, everyone was making plays out there. I'm just happy to be onto Round 2."

With Portland being placed in such a tough district and region, I asked what he expected from the team moving forward and heading into the District Final.

 "I don't expect anything to be easy. We have a great team around us and great coaches. I think we can beat any team that comes our way."

I also asked Kehyan if he expected his level of play to carry over throughout the remainder of the playoffs.

 "I do. I'm trying to make plays in all aspects of the game and to keep winning."

Finally, I asked him if he had a message for the rest of Division 4.

 "Be ready."

With that being said, the Portland Raiders now turn their attention to Edwardsburg, where they will battle for the District Championship. If their first-round performance is any indication, the Raiders are more than ready for the challenge ahead.

Pictured is Kehyan Page.  Photo by John Gilroy