(New Buffalo, MI) - The Red Arrow Raiders, after opening the season with blow-out victories, were humbled by a team more talented than their first two opponents in a 68 to 26 defeat on Friday, September 8 at Marcellus.
Head Coach Matt Johnson said he knew his players were in for a test, but felt it would be a much closer game, noting how lapses of execution on offense and defense were major factors in the drubbing along with an off night by the coaching staff.
“We were out played. We were out-coached. They had a better game plan than we did,” he said.
The Raiders, coming into the game with more than 1,000 passing and rushing yards combined, were limited to about 200 yards of total offense by a physical and disciplined Marcellus defense, aggressive in punching holes in the offensive line that cost the opposing team major yard losses on several plays.
“They were bringing pressure and we didn’t do a very good job blocking,” Johnson said.
The highlights for the Raiders on offense included a kick-off returned for a touchdown by Payton Lijewski. M’nason Smothers caught a pass, then dodged would-be tacklers to make his way into the end zone.
Quarterback Ethan Lijewski also hooked up with Owen Slavens for a touchdown pass.
Johnson said the team was also hurt by the absence of full back and middle linebacker Ryder Wolnik, who was nursing a knee injury. He then blamed himself for not making the adjustments that could have been effective in stopping Marcellus.
“It’s on the staff. It’s on me. I need to do a better job of recognizing when something is not working and making the adjustments in the game,” he said.
Johnson said he also felt his players didn’t respond favorably after falling behind early in the game.
“We got to develop a little more mental fortitude. When things are not going our way we got to learn how to fight out of those situations,” he said.
The Raiders consisting of players from New Buffalo and River Valley high schools play again on Friday at Eau Claire.
