RAIDERS TAKE TO THE ROAD FOR REGULAR SEASON FINALE

Ellettsville, Indiana-The Racine Raiders (8-0) will travel to Edgewood High School in Ellettsville, Indiana, this Saturday for their first matchup (ever) against the Southern Indiana Bobcats (9-2). The Bobcats are a part of the Mid Central Football League where they have locked in the number two seed in the 2A division playoffs. The Raiders, currently on a historic run, look to extend their winning streak to 24 games and put themselves in sole possession of the third-longest winning streak in the franchise’s 71-year history.  

Racine showed their dominance two weeks ago when they shut out the St. Paul Pioneers 30-0 and they look to continue their streak this week against the Bobcats. The Raiders are led offensively by quarterback Andre Locke, Sr. who averages just over 160 passing yards a game while throwing over 2-1/2 passing touchdowns per game. Leading the way in receiving despite only playing in four games this season is wide receiver Joe Garcia lll, who averages just under 70 yards a game while also adding five touchdown receptions on the season. The Raiders running back committee is led by Rashawn Herron who averages just under 50 total yards a game while also tallying seven touchdowns on the season.  

The Raiders defense has dominated all year allowing only 20 points (12 scored on offensive turnovers) which averages to only 2-1/2 points allowed per game. Racine’s defense hasn’t allowed a score in 19 quarters and are looking to continue that streak this week against the Bobcats. The Raiders are led defensively by linebacker Gary Young, Jr. who has 45 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and three interceptions including one returned for a touchdown. Cordero Williams is an integral component on the defensive line and is coming off a monster game where he totaled four sacks (seven on the season) and six tackles for loss (13 on the season). Leading the secondary is defensive back Jordan Danowski who’s tallied 23 tackles and five interceptions including one returned for a touchdown.  

The Bobcats are coming off a week where they were awarded a forfeit win because the Evansville Elite were unable to secure a field and referees. The week prior the Bobcats played the Joliet Buccaneers where they dominated 56-6 on the road.

The Bobcats have a dual-threat quarterback in Floyd Johnson who is reminiscent of the Raiders Locke. Indiana likes to run the ball and along with Johnson will work in Andre Wells and Sway Holt; Wells is a big back that has good hands and can lay a hit while Holt can either run around or through defenders. The top receiving target for the Bobcats is tight end Noah Ponce who leads the team in yards per catch. Wide receiver Jaden Evans is a deep threat with great hands.

Defensively, the Bobcats have former University of Kentucky football player Mark Crawford on the defensive line. Bamm Curry, Sr. Joins Crawford and Curry offers great pursuit and is a physical defensive end. Linebacker Nick Land is a semi-pro veteran and is one of three Bobcats players over the age of 40.

This game is critical for Racine, as a victory will secure home-field advantage through the GDFL playoffs.  Should the Raiders falter, all eyes will be on the outcome in Huntsville, AL where the Tri City Outlaws look to secure an undefeated division championship on the road against the Rockets.  If both the Raiders and Rockets win, the Raiders currently hold the tiebreaker advantage.  

Racine looks to continue its winning streak and put themselves in sole position of the third-longest winning streak in organizational history with 24 wins while also looking to extend their defensive shutout streak of 19 quarters without allowing a point when they face the Southern Indiana Bobcats at Edgewood High School in Ellettsville, Indiana on July 27 with a 5 pm CT kickoff. An official road game viewing party will be held at Angry Brothers Pub and Grill in Mount Pleasant where prizes will be given out for each Raiders touchdown on the night.  The viewing party begins at 4:30 pm and is free to all.

MyEyes Photography Scott Olsen