There is always a next time

Raiders' second game shows promise

by Omar Arce

After their defeat against San Diego High on their first game, the Raiders faced the Mountain Empire Red Hawks from Pine Valley on their second game of the season and their first home match.The evening started with impressive fireworks that illuminated the stadium. Although the attendance was not as plentiful as expected, the Pep Club, the band, and the cheerleaders all played their part in supporting the team.
The game was tough. With the 17 players that missed the first game due to grade ineligibility, 12 of them in the field and 5 of them in the bench, the Raiders had a decent first half. The offensive line did not allow the QB to have any space to throw, ending in sacks and incomplete passes. With a deficit of 6 points, starting QB Lamar Weston was benched by Mark Sandoval at the end of the 3rd quarter. The offensive line gave more cover to Sandoval allowing him to have more time and space to throw the ball deeper. The Red Hawks increased their lead to 22-0. At the end of the third quarter a 50 yard interception by senior LB Juan Padilla gave the Raiders a hope. The score was 22-7 now. Coming to the fore, the Raiders scored their second touchdown of the night with a great catch and run by WR Maris Boldridge. In addition to a 2 point conversion the score was 22-15. The Raider defense could not stop the running game of the Red Hawks in the fourth quarter, and so the game ended with the final score of 22-15.
With the loss, Southwest moves to 0-2 on the season. Next, SOH hosts San Marcos, to face the Knights in a non-league bout on Friday, September 18. Just another opportunity for the Raiders to give their fans the victory they deserve.