You could almost taste the tension in the frigid air as the opening kickoff crept closer and closer. The game was about to begin between the Red Raiders and the Golden Eagles, cross town rivals. The winner acquires all the bragging rights. Senior kicker Donnie Young was about to start what might be one of the most important games of the year.
The Red Raiders defeated Jacobs 37-14 improving their record to 5-1. The Red Raiders started strong with junior Anthony Binetti throwing his first touchdown pass to senior Kyle Kesul. On Huntley’s next possession senior Donnie Young kicked a 36-yard field goal to end of the first quarter 10-0 with the momentum in Huntley’s hands.
At the start of the second quarter it looked like Jacobs was going to make this game interesting, driving all the way down the field. The Red Raiders made a huge stop, setting Jacobs up with a 24-yard field goal. Jacob’s kicker missed the 24-yarder, keeping the score at 10-0. On the next possession Binetti threw his second touchdown pass to senior Brandon Altergott. Huntley missed the PAT making the score 16-0 Red Raiders. Jacobs fought back with a rushing touchdown by senior Josh Walker to make the score 16-8 bringing this game to half time.
The third quarter was underway and on the very first possession Binetti found senior Josh Esikiel for another touchdown making it 23-8 with 9:15 left. It looked like Red Raider domination until Jacobs silenced the crowd with a touchdown of their own making the score 23-14 Raiders. As the third quarter was winding down Binetti rushed for a touchdown of his own making it 30-14. Junior Casey Haayer also rushed for a Red Raiders touchdown making the score 37-14. As the clock got closer to zero the Red Raider fans were get louder and louder. Finally on this cold night the scoreboard hit zero the final score Red Raiders 37 Jacobs 14. Raider Nation chanting “Thanks Jacobs” and the players celebrating a great win.
After the game junior tight end Chase Lowenstein said “We knew this was a rival game and Coach emphasized working hard this week, every player gave 110% and we came out on top.”
Every year this game brings a lot of attention. This year our Red Raiders came out on top. As people left, “Thanks Jacobs” would be echoing in their heads.