JOURNAL Sports

Raider football season ends with gutty performance at St. Thomas

By Bruce Karnick

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It was known that the task of defeating St. Thomas Academy was a tall one heading into the section championship game on Friday. Coach Dana Strain felt, if the Raiders could keep it close at the end of the first quarter, the Cadets would be worried, and Hastings would have a good chance.

Hastings started the game from their 20. The first drive ate up a lot of time on the clock and they were moving the ball until just past midfield where they ultimately ended up punting.

STA took over on their own 18 and the Hastings defense slowed them down enough to keep the Cadets out of the endzone until the 2:13 mark of the first quarter when Savion Hart broke free on a 37-yard TD run.

The Raiders again started on their 20 and had another time-consuming drive before punting. The Hastings defense kept STA out of the endzone on their next drive. A drive that included multiple fourth down attempts by the Cadets.

Hastings began their third drive of the game on their own 15. They were moving the ball well just before the half expired, but a few missed, dropped and well defended passes from Senior Axel Arnold and the Raiders simply ran out of time at the half.

At the break, Hastings trailed 7-0 against one of the best teams in the state. This was exactly the situation that Coach Strain was looking for.

STA took the second half kick and ran it to their own 40. A minute and a half later, a nine-yard pass from Marcus Sims to Grady O’Neill and the Cadets were up 14-0.

The Hastings offense was quickly shut down on their ensuing drive and the Raider Defense returned the favor forcing the first punt of the game for STA.

The Raiders fought back but were forced to punt again eating up the remainder of the third quarter.

With 8:48 left in the game, the Cadets scored on a six-yard run from their workhorse back, Love Adebayo.

Hastings failed to convert a fourth and short from their own 29 on their next drive and STA quickly put the game out of reach with a one-yard run by Hart.

Hastings looked as though they were not going to be shut out on their final drive, but the officials took care of that with a few questionable penalties. The officials had pretty much been silent all game having called only one penalty, a five-yard penalty on STA. With only a minute and a half remaining in the game and the game out of reach, Hastings was moving deep into Cadet territory for the first time all game, the officials called not one, but two 10-yard penalties backto- back. The final Hastings 0, STA 28.

There was a small trophy presentation to both teams after the game and then both teams gathered in the middle of the field for a prayer.

After the loss, many of the Raiders spent time hugging their teammates, fans, family, coaches, you name it, they were getting a hug. It took a solid 30 minutes or more for the team to clear the field. Most of the STA players had already showered and headed home before the Raiders loaded the buses.

“We were playing good against possibly the best team in the state. You know, we worked hard. And I’m just glad I got to play one more time with all these boys. I mean, I really love these guys, it’s a brotherhood. It’s a family and I’m gonna miss being out here every day with these guys. It’s sad that this is the last time I strap up in the Gold and Blue,” said senior Brendan Freiermuth, the Raiders season leading rusher.

“It feels like I just lost all my brothers,” said junior kicker Samantha Williams to her friends wiping tears from her eyes.

Many of the students that joined the team on the field couldn’t hold back tears, even Coach Strain looked a little glossy eyed when asked for his parting words on the season. “It was a great season. Kids played great here tonight in a lot of ways, and I love the group. They’re special, and we’re gonna miss them. They’ve been awesome.”

Agreed coach… agreed… This like all of the Raider teams this year has some special kids on it. Kids and coaches that welcomed me to the sidelines, joked with me all season long and gave me their time for quotes and story help. You can’t help but feel sad when it’s over at the end of each team’s season, and I am thankful that the relationships get built in the short time because getting to know the kids is the best part of the job. Especially the student section. You clowns know who you are, the same group of boys and girls that make me laugh every game, that yell for me to take their pictures. Yeah, I grumble about it sometimes, but I love that you do it and of course I take the pictures. Because soon, this will all be over for the seniors and all you will have are those pictures to aid you with your memories. So, thanks to you students in the student section as well.

St. Thomas’ Love Adebayo, a junior, stiff arms Sophomore Luke Chorlton on one of his many tough runs all night. Adebayo racked up 109 rushing yards with many plays like this. Tackling Adebayo solo was next to impossible. Hastings had success stopping him in the first half with gang tackles. Photo by Bruce Karnick