Cougars maul Raiders

Senior Night was spoiled for the Raiders as the White Swan Cougars scored often and cut short many Raider drives for a 54-20 victory on LR’s home field Friday night.

The score at halftime stood at 21-7 Cougars, and it looked like the Raiders would have a chance. Then in the second half, the Cougars ratcheted up their performance level and left the Raiders in the dust.

“I thought we competed hard throughout the game,” Head Raider Coach Steve Files said. “They are a quality team with good speed. We weren’t intimidated and played physical football for four quarters.”

White Swan continued to use an eight-man offense modified for 11-man, which they used last year with great success. It was a wishbone like LR’s, but the Cougars shifted players in and out of the tackle box to create different looks, which slowed the Raider defense down.

Even so, the Raiders did pick off two passes that created opportunities to come back into the game. Senior Ben Samuels got the first one and was injured. He did not come back for some time. Desmond House nabbed the second pick.

“Our defensive backs played well, I thought,” Files said, “two interceptions three passes defended and good run support.”

Kodie Horn lead the team in tackles with 14. Jesse Louie was flying all over the place making plays and racking up 12 tackles, including four for loss, and a blocked kick.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Raiders had an early momentum booster with Drew Saxon’s fumble recovery on the opening kickoff. Kyle Holt ran for 131 yards and scored a touchdown on a 34-yard run. Horn also had a solid night at fullback with three-yard rushing score. Austin Rosenbaum scored the final Raider touchdown on a three-yard run.

The loss was a disappointment for the seniors, but Files thanked them for their effort and time. “It was senior night, and I was proud of the way our seniors performed; Sean Waters, Justus DeWinkler, Ben Samuels, Tyler Hartbarger, and Andrew McClure. They mean the world to our program and I am grateful for all their hard work and dedication.”

This Friday, the Raiders close out the 2012 season at Bridgeport against the Mustangs starting at 7 p.m. Both squads come in with 1-8 overall records, with Bridgeport coming off a 57-12 loss to Oroville.

Central Washington 2B Standings League Overall

Kittitas Coyotes 5-0 5-2

White Swan Cougars 4-1 7-2

Oroville Hornets 4-2 5-4

Liberty Bell Mt. Lions 3-2 3-5

LAKE ROOSEVELT 1-4 1-8

Bridgeport Mustangs 1-4 1-8

Manson Trojans 0-5 0-7