The Hastings Raiders came into Week 3 undefeated, carrying a 2–0 record and plenty of optimism into their home field at McNamara Stadium. But the visiting Chaska Hawks, ranked among the top programs in Minnesota’s Class 5A, proved too much. Behind the power of their big offensive line and the dual-threat ability of quarterback Matthew Welter, Chaska handed Hastings its first loss of the season by a 35–14 score. For much of the night, the Hawks controlled the pace and dictated the terms, though the Raiders made sure the final chapter wasn’t without a fight.

Hastings actually started with some promise. Taking the opening kickoff, the Raiders leaned on senior back Zack Shatek, who carried four times and pushed the ball out to the 35-yard line. The early calls showed Hastings wanted to establish the run and set a tone. But on the fifth play, disaster struck. Quarterback Carter Hanson dropped back and tried to squeeze a pass into tight coverage. His throw went into a crowd of defenders and was picked off, returned deep into Raider territory. Chaska needed just one snap to cash in, as Welter powered across the goal line for a two-yard touchdown. In less than three minutes, Hastings went from steady progress to an early hole, and the Hawks never looked back.

From there, Chaska leaned on its size in the trenches. Their offensive front, averaging more than 260 pounds per starter, created lanes that Welter used with confidence. He scored again midway through the second quarter on a short keeper, then moments later pulled off the highlight of the half. On a broken play, he spotted a seam and bolted 52 yards down the field, leaving Hastings defenders chasing as he crossed the end zone for his third rushing score. At halftime, the Hawks were firmly in control with a 21–0 lead, while Hastings searched for a way to steady itself.

Welter wasn’t finished. Midway through the third quarter, the quarterback struck again, slipping through the middle for a 39-yard touchdown run that stretched the lead to 28–0. For the game, he carried nine times for 106 yards and four touchdowns, a rare showcase for a quarterback who did most of his damage on the ground. His passing line was modest, completing one of two attempts for eight yards, but he didn’t need to air it out. With a line that pushed defenders back and running lanes available all night, Welter dictated the game with his legs.

Hastings, meanwhile, had little to show for its efforts through three quarters. Hanson completed 11 of 21 passes for 129 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. Shatek kept working against a crowded defense and finished with 26 rushes for 177 yards, nearly all of it earned the hard way. Finally, with just over five minutes remaining, his persistence paid off. He broke through on the right side and sprinted 83 yards for Hastings’ first points of the night. Kicker Cody Weber added the extra point to make it 28–7, and suddenly the Raiders had some energy.

Moments later, the Raiders struck again. After forcing a stop, Hanson dropped back and lofted a strike to senior receiver Matt Foss for a 23-yard touchdown. Foss, who finished with three catches for 46 yards, pulled Hastings within 28–14, and the home crowd roared as momentum seemed to shift. It was a reminder that the Raiders could strike quickly when given the chance. But Chaska responded in kind, with running back Justin Greathouse slicing through the defense for a 41-yard touchdown to close out the scoring at 35–14.

The box score reflected the Hawks’ dominance. They rushed 49 times for 293 yards, averaging nearly six yards per carry, while Hastings managed 177 rushing yards on 28 attempts, almost all through Shatek. Chaska moved the chains for 15 first downs, while Hastings finished with 12. The Raiders were penalized four times for 35 yards, and the Hawks four times for 40. Neither team beat itself with mistakes after the early interception, but Chaska’s strength up front and balanced rushing attack made the difference.

Even in defeat, Hastings showed pieces to build on. Shatek’s toughness and ability to break free proved he can be a game-changer against any opponent. Foss is emerging as a steady receiving option, and Hanson displayed resilience after the tough start. The defense, despite giving up chunks of yardage, created stops late that allowed the Raiders to mount their brief comeback. Against one of the top teams in the state, those glimpses of fight may matter more in the long run than the loss itself.

Chaska walked away at 3–0 and remains ranked in the top five of Class 5A, while Hastings slipped to 2–1. The Hawks’ offensive line was the difference-maker, setting the stage for a quarterback who scored four rushing touchdowns and a backfield that added another big strike late. For Hastings, the challenge now is responding. With conference play still ahead, there are opportunities to learn from this night and carry the late energy into the weeks to come. The roar that followed Shatek’s 83-yard sprint and Foss’s touchdown grab showed that McNamara Stadium is behind the Raiders no matter the score. The next time they hit the field, that support will be waiting.

The night belonged to Chaska, but Hastings walked away with lessons, late momentum, and the resolve to keep pushing forward. A loss against a ranked power might sting, but it can also sharpen a team. For the Raiders, Week 3 was a reminder that the path to success comes with challenges, and how they respond will define the rest of their season.

The next chance to catch the Raiders in action has changed several times the past month due to Apple Valley having a protected bird nesting on one of their light poles. Please note the location and time change. The Eagles have settled on playing the game at Rosemount on Friday, Sept. 19 at 7:00 p.m.