October 26, 2021 by Kevin Riordan
A beautiful autumn Sunday on the Cape featured the 8th grade Raiders fighting off a stubborn Barnstable team 27-8 to remain unbeaten and atop the league standings. With Drew St Pierre sidelined with a foot injury, running back Ian Smith had a banner day with 2 touchdowns and 3 kicked extra points to lead the offense.
Following a big tackle on the kickoff by Jack Germain, Barnstable opened the game with its spread option offense powering their way for a first down. The defense held strong with tackles by Matt Griffin and Mac Corey then a bone jarring sack from Aedan Milligan to thwart the drive. On the Raiders first play from scrimmage QB Jake Varholak caught the defense by surprise as he dropped back in the pocket and threw a bomb to a wide open Cavan Nicholas who took it to paydirt for a 68 yard touchdown. Ian Smith kicked the extra point and in just one play the Raiders were on top 7-0.
Barnstable’s big backs aggressively attacked on the ground but were quickly met by fierce tackles from JT Reale, Cam McKenna and Chase Beighley to force a punt. On offense the Raiders front line blocking from Leopold Kuehberger, Charlie Shape, Wyatt Averett, Andrew Sullivan, Mac Corey, Matt Griffin sealed off the edge allowing RB Ian Smith to sprint down the sidelines for a 71 yard touchdown run. Kicking his second extra point, Smith put the Raiders up 14-0 lead which would hold until halftime.
Deacon Evriviades ran the second half opening kick down to the Barnstable 45 yard line setting up a short field for the offense. After punishing runs from Chase Beighley, QB Varholak averted a sack and rolled left connecting with Ian Smith for an over the shoulder 41 yard touchdown pass. Smith converted his 3rd extra point kick to put the Raiders ahead with a commanding 21-0 lead in the third quarter. Barnstable continued to attack the middle of the defense on the ground as their RB broke multiples for a 39 yard TD and successful two point conversion to make it interesting at 21-8. On the ensuing kickoff Owen Bernard caught the short hop and returned it deep into Barnstable territory. RB Chase Beighley bulldozed his way for 16 yards and a first down but the Barnstable defense penetrated the line to force back to back sacks ultimately forcing a Hingham turnover on downs. The Raiders defense answered the bell as Cavan Nicholas pressured the QB into an incomplete pass and then Andrew Sullivan and Wyatt Averett stuffed the run to force a punt as the third quarter expired.
The better teams usually takes care of business and that’s what the Raiders did in the 4th quarter. Special teams tackles by Cole Riordan, Tommy Riordan, Mark Donlan and Jackson Kennedy put Barnstable deep in hole. LB’s Cam McKenna, Liam Rogers and Jack Daley forced a turnover on downs. Planning to put the game pout reach QB Varholak hit Deacon Evriviades in the flat who slashed his way 32 yards for the touchdown to put the Raiders up 27-8. Breece Achille kicked it off and pinned Barnstable deep in there own territory where the defense shut them down for the victory.
The Raiders look to complete their undefeated regular season by facing Pembroke on Sunday.