The first game of the season for the YRHS senior Raiders football team was held in Swift Current on Thursday, Sept. 1.
The Raiders got off to a slow start in the first quarter, allowing the Swift Current Colts to gain a 7-0 lead.
The Colts began the second quarter with another quick touchdown. But the Raiders fought back as quarterback Jordan Rusnak connected with Ben Koroluk for a touchdown.
The Raiders were unable to hold off the Colts for the rest of the game, and the Colts controlled the play in the second half. The final score was 40-7.
The Raiders suffered from the ejection of player Shane Toma in the first quarter.
Raiders head coach Roby Sharpe said he’s hoping the loss will help his team learn and move forward.
“These are all lessons you learn along the way. It’s a challenge – that’s why we coach and why these kids play,” he said. “If you care about something, you’re going to work at it and get better. ”
Sharpe also supported his new quarterback for his first game with the team.
“Jordan Rusnak is a great, young quarterback. We haven’t had a grade 10 quarterback in years,” he said. “He learned a lot today and it will only make him better.”
Sharpe mentioned Zach Fleury as an asset on the defensive side of play for the Raiders.
On the other side of the field, Colts’ running back Tristan Lockman scored 34 of his team’s 40 points.
Derek Murdoch, head coach of the Colts, said since joining the team last year, Lockman has been a big piece of their puzzle.
“He’s a big, strong dude, and it’s fun to watch him run with the football,” he said.
Murdoch said he was excited and happy for his team’s first win.
“Obviously, first game of the year, you’re not quite sure what to expect,” he said. “We thought we were going to be a pretty veteran, solid, defensive football team with a good running game, and that’s kind of the way things worked out.”
The Raiders’ next game is on Saturday, Sept. 10 in Weyburn.
