Raiders shutout Wildcats

The Rice Raiders traveled to Weimar for a game against the Wildcats on Thursday, Sept. 16, for a Colorado County showdown that the Raiders won 35-0.

Both teams were coming off big wins which only added excitement to the game, the Wildcats were coming off a week where they scored 65 points while the Raiders were coming off back-to-back shutouts.

Both sides of the bleachers were filled as the Raiders faithful were more than willing to travel to see their team play in Weimar. The feeling in the building felt like a playoff game and the players on the field felt it too.

From the opening kickoff the intensity could be felt, and fans knew immediately that this game was going to be a slug fest.

The Raiders have been playing an aggressive style of defense so far this season and they were not going to stop against the Wildcats. Led by Devron Bennett the Raiders defensive front made themselves at home in the Wildcats’ back field.

Defensively the Raiders shut down the Wildcats’ rushing attack. The Wildcats utilized seven different runners in Thursday’s game where they ran for a total of 71 yards combined.

With the defense standing tall, the Raiders offense went to work setting up their own rushing attack that was spearheaded by Dyren Johnson. He carried the ball 13 times for 189 yards and three touchdowns, all three of which were in the first half.

Brayden James also saw some action running the football for the Raiders, he carried the rock five times for 77 yards and one touchdown. The Raiders’ other touchdown came from RJ Myers who used his big frame to punch in a score from the one-yard line.

Kordae Johnson had a tough outing with the Wildcats’ secondary and defensive line causing a lot of problems for the young quarterback. He finished the game completing five of his 13 pass attempts (39%) for 74 yards and an interception.

The Wildcats did an excellent job shutting down the Raiders’ passing attack. Led by Brandon Luckey the Wildcats were in Johnson’s face any time he dropped back in the pocket making him as uncomfortable as possible.

The Wildcats defense played outstanding despite what the scoreboard showed, and they will be able to build off that performance in week four.

Week four will see the Raiders return home to host the Hallettsville Brahmas for their Homecoming game while the Wildcats will be hitting the road to take on Holy Cross, both games are scheduled for Friday, Sept. 20, at 7:30 p.m.