The Raiders have a winning record for the first time since 2018 after beating Olathe East, 29-28 on Friday Oct. 3.
“It’s been a really long time since we had a winning record and being above .500,” senior Solomon Hirsch said. “Just coming out and competing in games like these, it’s the best thing ever.”
South was looking for back-to-back wins after beating SM West last week. OE looked to bounce back after a road loss against Free State.
The Raiders last offensive touchdown came with 8:06 left in the 2nd quarter— 76 yard touchdown pass from Hirsch to senior Traeh West.
With 1:36 left in the second quarter the Hawks scored a touchdown and went for a 2-point conversion, but junior Rowan Minnick got a tackle for loss to keep the Raider lead at one. The Raiders marched down the field and senior Adam Olson kicked a 41-yard field goal to give the Raiders a 26-22 lead going into the half.
Despite OE having possession for most of the 3rd quarter, the Hawks were unable to score and went into the 4th quarter still down 26-22.
“We were in some really high-leverage, high-stress situations on the field tonight,” head coach Nick Foster said. “We showed a ton of maturity and I couldn’t be prouder.”
The Raiders struck first in the 4th quarter with a field goal made by Olson with 5:29 left. The Hawks then capped off a 5 minute drive with a two yard rushing TD with 0:39 left in the game down 29-28 after not converting a two-point try
OE recovered the subsequent onside kick and after two rushing attempts getting to the 40-yard line of the Raiders, the Hawks attempted a deep pass. Senior DeZavion Hollinger intercepted the pass and returned it to the Hawks one-yard line before being dragged down.
“I just saw the ball and picked it off and started running and almost got to the endzone,” Hollinger said. “When I got back to the sideline I just laid down on the turf as all my teammates came over to celebrate.”
The Raiders, now 3-2, will play Free State at home Thursday Oct. 9. The Hawks, now 1-4, will travel to Gardner Edgerton to take on the Trailblazers Friday, Oct. 10.
