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 Raiders' Big Plays Pave the Way 

The Journal Times sports staff-

It remains to be seen how this season will play out for the Racine Raiders, but this much can be said: The Mid-States Football League is giving the Raiders all they can handle.

The Raiders (2-1) defeated the Chicago Thunder 28-19 Saturday night at Hanson Field on Chicago's west side and, once again, it wasn't easy.

A crucial interception by linebacker Brandon Hearns with 6:25 left in the game set up a 19-yard touchdown run by Eric Ervin nearly four minutes later. Prior to Hearns' interception, the Thunder (1-2) scored two consecutive touchdowns to transform a 21-6 halftime deficit into a 21-19 game.

Cornerback Torie Ruffin then intercepted a Jorge Sierra pass with 2:15 to play to seal the Raiders' second regular-season victory in three games. The Raiders opened their regular season with a 37-29 loss to the Roscoe Rush July 10 before needing a late 33-yard field goal by Kevin Petersen to defeat the Leyden Lions 19-17 one week later.

"It's a nice league," said Raiders coach John Mamerow, whose team moved from the North American Football League after last season. "There's been some tough teams. But I think we're letting teams stay in the game when we shouldn't be and we have to find a way to put teams away. It's the same trouble we had last year."

Chris Walsh, a 20-year-old backup, made his second straight start at quarterback for the Raiders with Ron Ricciardi sidelined with separations in both of this shoulders. While the 2007 Horlick High School graduate struggled at times, he teamed with first-year running back Torris Childs for plays that were the difference in this game.

With the Raiders trailing 6-0, Walsh threw a screen pass to Childs, who ran 91 yards for a touchdown as the Raiders took a 7-6 lead with 11:12 left in the second quarter. Childs rushed for 57 yards on 15 carries while Walsh completed seven of 17 passes for 158 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

On the Raiders' ensuing possession, a holding penalty gave Racine a first and 23 on the Thunder's 34. Walsh completed a pass to tight end Travis Worthington, who wrestled the ball away from a defender and fell into the end zone.

Petersen kicked his second extra-point conversion of the night as the Raiders took a 14-6 lead with 2:54 remaining in the second quarter.

And then it was time for the Raiders' defense to step up. On the Thunder's ensuing possession, a Sierra pass was batted in the air and intercepted by defensive lineman Marvin Bailey, who ran six yards into the end zone as the Raiders took a 21-6 halftime lead.

But just when it appeared that the Raiders were taking control, the Thunder started coming back in the second half. Running back Shawn Sierra scored his second and third touchdowns of the night on respective runs of 12 and 18 yards.

But then Hearns came through with his crucial interception, swinging the momentum back to the Raiders.

"I'll tell you what - that was a big momentum changer," Mamerow said. "It was huge."

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The Steve & Joe MSFL Radio Show 

Monday night is traditionally a time that has been emblazoned into the minds and hearts of many young men and women as a time to gather drinks both spiked and regular, chips, and many other diet busting delights and sit in front of the Television and watch football.  Well two young men concerned about the eyesight of their fellow Americans have now come together to bring your ears the pleasure of their voices and the give everyone's eye sockets the rest they deserve.  With this we present The Steve and Joe MSFL RADIO SHOW.

Every Monday night we have been talking about a variety of MSFL and Minor-League issues.  Offense, Defense, injuries, referees and other topics, also we have interviewed various legends of Minor-League football Terry Thomas and MSFL Commissioner Howard Hunington.  Our show has now eclipsed over 1000 views and is quickly expanding, with the leagues players, owners, coaches and staff continued participation we will continue to improve.  As the weeks progress  Monday will be a review of the week's games, featuring coaches and player interviews, as well as a MSFL player of the week that will be featured.   In June a Friday show will be added to preview the week's upcoming games, which will feature the predictions of John Clayton whom has provided entertainment on the message board the last year.

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