The Hastings Raiders took the field Friday night with a tough task in front of them, traveling to St. Paul to face the undefeated and top-ranked St. Thomas Academy Cadets. The Cadets, still riding momentum from a statement win over then-number-one Chanhassen back in Week 4, came into their Homecoming game at 5-0 and ranked number one in Class AAAAA. Hastings, sitting at 3-2 and second in Section 3AAAAA, was hoping to build on momentum from their own Homecoming win over Two Rivers. Instead, they ran into a buzzsaw.
St. Thomas wasted little time showcasing why they’re the top team in the state. After Hastings struck first with a Zack Shatek 2-yard touchdown run to open the game, the Cadets answered with three first-quarter scores of their own, including a 42-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tristan Karl to wideout Luke Hudson that gave them a lead they would never surrender. By halftime, the Cadets had built a 27-13 advantage, and in the third quarter, they blew the game open with a 21-point outburst that put it out of reach. The final tally: St. Thomas 48, Hastings 13.
Still, the Raiders showed early signs of life and a willingness to compete. Shatek’s opening score was a product of a methodical drive that leaned on his bruising style and patience behind the offensive line. He finished with 27 carries for 80 yards and his 16th rushing touchdown of the season. Shatek’s impact continues to anchor the Hastings offense week after week, and Friday was no exception.
After St. Thomas tied the game at 6 on a 13-yard touchdown run by Dominic Baez, Hastings had a chance to flip momentum. Instead, the Cadets struck again, quickly and efficiently. The Raiders struggled to contain Baez, who broke loose for two more scores in the second quarter, including a 51-yard sprint that left defenders chasing shadows. Hastings found some rhythm again late in the second quarter, when quarterback Carter Hanson capped off an 11-play, 80-yard drive with a 1-yard quarterback sneak. Cody Weber knocked through the extra point to make it a 20-13 ballgame, but the Cadets responded with another touchdown before halftime to stretch the lead back to 14.
The second half belonged entirely to St. Thomas. On the opening kickoff of the third quarter, Todd Rogalski took it 89 yards to the house, deflating any hopes Hastings had of clawing back. The Raiders’ offense sputtered from that point forward, shut out in the second half while the Cadets padded their lead with two more touchdowns, a 23-yard scamper from Karl and a second touchdown reception by Hudson, this one from 31 yards out.
Hastings’ offensive production came in flashes, but they couldn't sustain drives against a fast, physical Cadets defense. Carter Hanson completed 7 of 10 passes for 174 yards, with standout receiver Matt Foss hauling in two passes for 102 yards, including a deep strike that helped flip the field in the second quarter. Elliott Hagen added a 38-yard reception, and Grant Birken caught two passes for 27 yards.
Despite being limited in total yards, 299 across 38 offensive plays, the Raiders had a few notable individual performances. Shatek, as usual, did the heavy lifting on the ground and even added 9 yards receiving and 148 all-purpose yards on the day, including 3 kick returns for 148 yards, one of which he nearly broke for a score. He now leads the team with 1,485 all-purpose yards this season. Foss continues to be a reliable downfield option, averaging over 23 yards per reception on the year, and Birken quietly contributes on both offense and special teams.
On defense, the Raiders had few answers for the Cadets’ speed and versatility. Baez was the biggest problem, finishing with 155 yards on just 12 carries and three touchdowns. Karl added 61 yards and a rushing touchdown of his own, while also passing for 213 yards and two scores. Hudson was the top target, catching three passes for 84 yards and both receiving touchdowns. The Hastings secondary was stretched thin and couldn’t slow down the Cadets' air attack when it mattered.
Special teams were a decisive factor, too. The Raiders allowed a kick return touchdown and gave up strong field position throughout the second half. On the flip side, Hastings had some solid return moments, including Shatek’s big returns and a 50-yard combined effort from Matt Foss. Cody Weber converted one of his two extra point attempts, and punter Aston Arnes averaged 34.67 yards on six punts, including a long of 54.
Penalties were a non-factor, as each team was flagged just once for five yards. But the difference in execution, speed, and depth was unmistakable from the opening whistle. Hastings managed 14 first downs, split evenly between the run and the pass, but couldn’t match the Cadets’ 18 total first downs or their 459 yards of offense.
Now sitting at 3-3 overall and 1-2 in the North Star East Maroon sub-district, Hastings remains in playoff contention but will need to clean up several areas if they hope to finish the regular season strong. The good news is they’ve got playmakers. Shatek continues to drive the offense with 1,265 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns through six games. Hanson has thrown for 716 yards and 3 touchdowns, though his 4 interceptions are something to monitor. Foss and Hagen both bring explosiveness to the passing game, and Birken is a multi-tool player who shows up on offense, defense, and special teams.
Defensively, Hastings will need more from its front seven and secondary, especially with tougher matchups looming. They’ve given up 183 points through six games, including 30 or more in three contests. Their takeaway numbers are low, with just two interceptions on the year, and the pass rush hasn’t generated consistent pressure.
In the special teams department, Weber and Shatek are reliable options, but kickoff coverage needs immediate improvement after the 89-yard return from Rogalski exposed that vulnerability.
Statistically, the Raiders are averaging 6.46 yards per carry as a team, with 1,364 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. Their passing game has produced 718 yards and 3 touchdowns, completing 55 percent of passes. On the flip side, opponents have rushed for 1,282 yards and passed for 896, scoring 20 rushing touchdowns and 5 through the air. The turnover battle remains close, with Hastings giving up 4 interceptions and just one fumble all year.
The Raiders will look to rebound next Thursday night at Todd Field, when they host Burnsville on October 9. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. They finish the regular season in Mankato at Mankato East on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 7:00 p.m. With postseason positioning on the line, every snap will matter.