The YRHS Jr Raiders had a difficult week as two late fourth quarter wins, were so close yet so far. The Raiders came up short in going for their first win of the season in a three games in one week stretch in the RMFL season. After a tough loss after the Regina Mounties punted the ball out of the end zone to scrounge a single point victory on the road in Regina, the Raiders headed into their Century Field clash against the Regina Renegades on Sunday afternoon with the feeling that they were poised to earn their first victory after a encouraging performance against one of last years top teams.
Sadly the energy and effort the Raiders had on Wednesday night did not translate early on Sunday as the Renegades held the ball for much of the first half as offensive line woes as well as a costly fumble on a punt return allowed the Renegades to control most of the clock and the game in what led to a 14-0 halftime lead. The Raiders offense just could not get going as short first down gains and pass protection problems, led to a Raider offense that went two and out often in the first half. A Alex Popoff highlight reel catch from Nick Payne in the first quarter provided the only positives from the Raider passing game early. Despite the amount of time on the field, the Jr Raider defense held in tough and put in many solid red zone stands, keeping the score low, even blocking an extra point attempt to keep the score at 14-0.
After an inspired halftime speech from head coach Mike Jarvis the Raiders held the Renegades to just a early third quarter safety to keep the score at 16-0 heading into the fourth quarter. Caleb Bymak had a stellar game on defense making many tackles behind the line of scrimmage for the Raiders, who despite being beat for long passes that led to the two Renegades scores, dominated the running game and had a promising performance in all four quarters of the game.
In the fourth quarter the Raider offense came alive as screen passes to Brendan Weber ate up big yardage before a Alex Popoff touchdown catch and a subsequent extra point attempt put the Raiders down one score with four minutes left. The Raider defense got the ball back for the offense in time for one last game winning drive, but the heroic comeback was not in the cards as the Raiders came up short in a game that could have been much different had the Raiders offense shown the life it had in the fourth quarter more often throughout the game.
Coach Mike Jarvis was not pleased the Raiders came out flat, but noted that "If the game had been five minutes longer, this is one we probably would have won." Jarvis also mentioned the Raiders excellent defensive effort and said that the whole defensive unit should be credited for what was a solid all around performance save for the pass plays in the first half. Going into the second half of the season Jarvis mentioned he expects a turnaround and hopes that the Raiders can rally up a few wins to hopefully play its way into the playoffs.
The Raiders head on the road next Sunday where they will play the Regina Lakers, who like the Raiders are winless and trying to turn their season around. Jarvis says they will be focusing on intensity this weekend and expects a turnaround win over the weekend.
