Edgerton’s Braydon Cape scores the touchdown in the first quarter for the Bulldogs with Colin Gary congratulating him. More pictures at westbendnews.net
By: Joe Shouse, Sportswriter
HAVILAND – It certainly wasn’t how the Wayne Trace Raiders wanted to complete the home portion of their schedule but with powerhouse Edgerton visiting Raider field, the Raiders knew the task would be difficult. Green Meadows Conference leader, the Bulldogs wasted little time establishing themselves, scoring 22 points in the first quarter on their way to a 52-7 win on what would be the last home game for 13 Raider seniors.
Edgerton sported some quality credentials entering the contest beside holding down the top sport in the GMC. The Bulldogs entered the contest unblemished and now stand at 9-0 with one game remaining in the regular season. The Bulldogs also find themselves ranked No. 2 in Division VII. With the win, Edgerton will wear the crown as GMC champs, their first time since 1983.
In a game that was settled in the first quarter had Edgerton scoring on their first three possessions. Leading 22-0 heading into the second period, the Bulldogs scored two additional touchdowns for a 44-0 lead at intermission.
With a “running clock” in the second half, any hopes of a shutout win for the visitors was dashed late in the fourth quarter when Grant Baumle was on the receiving end of a Trevor Speice eight-yard touchdown toss to settle the final score at 52-7.
The tenacious Bulldog offense was led by Hunter Prince who totaled 187 yards on 27 totes. Team mate Greg Roth also put up some solid numbers with 135 rushing yards on just nine carries.
The Raiders, who fall to 5-4 overall and 4-2 in GMC play, garnered just 50 yards on the ground with Kameron Bevis leading the Raider charge with 26 yards. In the passing department Speice was 10 of 25 for 98 yards. Mo Price and Grant Baumle each snagged four receptions.
Seniors wearing the red, white, and blue for the last time at Raider Field included Korbin Slade, Haydn Gillett, Mox Price, Josiah Linder, Grant Baumle, Caden Bland, Matt Stouffer, Evan Mohr, Braden Zuber, Reese Thompson, Austin Smith, Caleb Yenser, and Brian Merritt.
The Raiders will close out their season on the road this Friday when they travel to Hicksville to face the Aces.
