Raiders shut out East Chambers

The Rice Raiders started their season on the road in Winnie against East Chambers on Friday, Aug. 30, where they made themselves right at home.

The wet field conditions did not stop either team from taking the field and taking in the excitement of week one football. Electricity was in the air and the Raiders were ready to plunder.

The Raiders’ defense set the tone of the game, and the offense led by quarterback Kordae Johnson found their rhythm early in the game. The Raiders put two quick scores on the board in the first quarter and from then on, the Raiders had full control of the game.

The Raider defense never blinked and just pinned their ears back and got after the quarterback. East Chambers were on their home field, but they felt uncomfortable and pressured all night by the Raiders.

The offense was able to play a little bit looser because of how their defense was playing and continued to extend their lead in the second quarter.

A rushing touchdown and a missed PAT ended the half for the Raiders with them firmly in control with a 20-0 lead. The third quarter saw the final touchdown of the game with Johnson finding D’Neriyan Fuller who trotted into the endzone.

After making the PAT the Raiders were up 27-0 and the Raider defense were handed the keys. The defense locked down the field and frustrated East Chambers’ offense securing the first win of the 2024 season.

While the defense was impressive, another storyline in the game was the development of Johnson as the Raiders quarterback. Throughout the summer rumblings of Johnson taking that next step were circulating heavily throughout Colorado County and people were anxious to see him in a game.

In week one Johnson showed that he was all that was promised and more. Johnson missed only five passes Friday night to completing 14 of 19 (74%) for 181 yards and two touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Turnovers killed the Raiders last season so to see Johnson taking care of the football is a positive sign of things to come for the Raiders. Fuller was Johnson’s top target in the game being targeted nine times and catching seven of those nine passes for 107 yards and two touchdowns.

The Raiders also showed their strong rushing attack with Dyren Johnson racking up 113 yards and a touchdown on just 13 carries.

With a week one win under their belt, the Raiders look forward to their week two matchup against Shiner on Friday, Sept. 6, where the Raiders will be on their home field for the first time this season.