The Hastings Raiders football team gave their homecoming crowd plenty to cheer about Friday night at McNamara Stadium, knocking off conference rival Two Rivers 29-19 in a game filled with big plays, gutsy runs, and a halftime celebration that brought the entire community together. The win lifted the Raiders to 3-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play, keeping them right in the thick of the North Star East Maroon race.
From the very beginning, the Raiders looked determined to set the tone. Junior running back Zack Shatek was once again the workhorse, pounding out 233 rushing yards on 26 carries and accounting for all four of Hastings’ touchdowns. He opened the scoring with a blistering 52-yard sprint down the sideline less than a minute into the game, and he capped it with a short dive into the end zone in the fourth quarter that sealed the victory. Each of his runs brought the homecoming crowd to life, especially his 65-yard burst in the first half that left defenders chasing air. Shatek’s performance was nothing new for Raider fans, as his season’s rushing total climbed to an impressive 1,185 yards with 15 touchdowns through five games.
Quarterback Carter Hanson also played a steady role, completing 7 of 9 passes for 57 yards. He found Carter Lundstrom on a key two-point conversion following Shatek’s third touchdown, a play that helped Hastings build momentum in the second half. Hanson spread the ball to several receivers, with Matt Foss hauling in three passes for 23 yards, Lundstrom adding two grabs for 18 yards and a touchdown, and Elliott Hagen contributing another reception. Though the Raiders leaned heavily on Shatek’s ground attack, Hanson’s efficiency kept the Two Rivers defense honest and opened lanes for his star back to break free.
Two Rivers put up a fight and refused to go away quietly. The Warriors answered Shatek’s opening strike with a 46-yard touchdown pass from Drew Altavilla to John Laugerman, a play that stunned the crowd and evened the score at seven apiece. Altavilla later added two rushing touchdowns, one in the second quarter and another in the third, but both extra-point attempts failed, which left crucial points off the board. Hastings capitalized on those misses, stretching its lead with each possession and keeping Two Rivers from closing the gap in the fourth quarter.
The Raiders defense, while bending at times, made stops when it mattered. Hastings allowed 305 total yards compared to its own 323, but Two Rivers could not keep pace in the red zone. Defensive leaders forced tough third downs, and Hastings limited the Warriors to just 19 points despite giving up 18 first downs. The secondary did surrender a few chunk plays, including 77 receiving yards to Lamont Michaels, but Hastings’ tackling and clock management in the second half prevented any major comeback bid.
Special teams were also part of the story. Cody Weber nailed all three of his extra-point attempts, and Lundstrom’s successful two-point conversion added cushion to the lead. In the return game, Matt Foss picked up 35 yards on a kickoff, and Carter Herman-O’Brien added 68 yards on two returns, helping Hastings maintain field position advantages. Though punter Aston Arnes averaged just 28 yards on three punts, the Raiders’ coverage units kept Two Rivers from breaking free.
Of course, this was more than just a football game. Homecoming week in Hastings meant a packed stadium, and halftime was a celebration of school pride and community spirit. The full homecoming court was honored on the field with their parents, drawing loud applause from the crowd. The Hastings Dance Team kept the energy high during the break, performing an upbeat, electric routine that even included guest dancers — some of the school’s teachers who joined in for fun. The performance had fans smiling and cheering before the teams returned to the field for the second half.
Statistically, Hastings now sits with 1,241 rushing yards on the season, averaging 7.26 yards per carry with 15 rushing touchdowns. Through the air, Hanson has thrown for 542 yards on 38 completions with three touchdowns and three interceptions. Foss leads the receiving corps with 266 yards and two scores, while Hagen and Lundstrom have each added key catches and touchdowns. Defensively, the Raiders have held opponents to 135 total points over five games, nearly even with the 137 they have scored themselves.
The Raiders’ next test comes Friday, Oct. 3, when they travel to face St. Thomas Academy. The Cadets are one of only two undefeated teams remaining in Class AAAAA and currently hold the number one ranking in the state. Hastings, sitting at number 19 in Class AAAAA with its 3-2 record, knows this will be its toughest matchup of the season. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., and fans can expect a hard-hitting showdown that will demand the Raiders’ very best effort.