Racine Raiders Dominate Tri-City Outlaws 32-0, Advance to Gridiron Bowl XV

Racine,Wisconsin-In a commanding performance that showcased their relentless defense and efficient offense, the Racine Raiders defeated the Tri-City Outlaws 32-0 in the GDFL Xtreme Conference championship game last night. Overcoming a brief summer rain shower during pregame, the Raiders remained focused, spurred on by a home crowd that refused to be deterred by the weather. The victory, held at Historic Horlick Athletic Field in front of over 1,100 passionate fans, secures the Raiders a spot in Gridiron Bowl XV, where they will face the Upstate Predators from Rochester, NY, on August 31st.

The Raiders set the tone early, with quarterback Andre Locke leading the charge. Locke, a model of poise and precision, threw two touchdown passes, expertly guiding his team down the field against a Tri-City defense that struggled to keep pace. Locke’s connection with tight end Bubba Rewolinski proved particularly effective, as Rewolinski hauled in three receptions for 47 yards, including a 17-yard catch and run that gave Racine a 13-0 halftime lead.

While the offense did its part, the Raiders’ defense truly stole the show. The unit extended its incredible streak of not allowing a touchdown to 27 quarters, smothering the Outlaws at every turn. Linebacker Elvin Turner was a standout, recording five tackles and two sacks, consistently disrupting Tri-City’s offensive rhythm. Alongside him, defensive linemen Niko Lemke, Antonio Dundy, and Ron Haggins each contributed 1.5 sacks, adding to the Outlaws’ frustration as they struggled to move the ball.

Gary Young, Jr. anchored the defense as the leading tackler, delivering hit after hit that kept the Outlaws from gaining significant momentum. The Raider defense’s scoreless streak looked to be in jeopardy in the fourth quarter with the Outlaws inside the 10-yard line, but Racine’s fearsome front seven turned up the heat with play after play of sacks and pressures…pushing Tri-City backward.

The victory is the latest in a season full of highlights for the Racine Raiders (10-0 GDFL, 11-0 overall), who have established themselves as a powerhouse in the Gridiron Developmental Football League (GDFL) over the past two years. The win not only secures their place in the national championship but extends a 26-game winning streak which is now the second longest in the 71-year history of the organization.

Head coach Wilbert Kennedy praised his team’s performance, particularly the defense, which has been a hallmark of the Raiders’ success all season. “Our defense has been phenomenal, and tonight was no different,” the coach said. “They’ve played with heart and discipline, and it shows. Our defense is dialed in right now, playing as a unit and working together.  Offensively, we made the plays we needed, and I’m proud of how the entire team executed our game plan.”

As the Raiders look ahead to Gridiron Bowl XV, they do so with confidence and momentum. Their defense will be a formidable challenge for any opponent, and with Locke at the helm, the offense has proven it can deliver when it matters most. The Upstate Predators (Rochester, NY) will certainly have their work cut out for them as they prepare to face a Raiders team that is firing on all cylinders.

For the fans in Racine, the victory is a moment of pride, a culmination of a season’s worth of hard work, and a step closer to a possible 11th national title. As the countdown to August 31st begins, the Raiders and their supporters are ready to make their mark on the biggest stage.  Kickoff for Gridiron Bowl XV will be at 7:00 pm CT, and ticket information can be found at GridironBowl2024.com or on the Racine Raiders and GDFL social media pages.