September 21, 2021 by Kevin Riordan
As expected Sundays game vs SciCoh proved to be a physical battle with the Raiders out muscling the Sharks on the front lines where it matters most. The first quarter found both teams trading downs with big tackles for loss from LB Aedan Milligan and DL Andrew Sullivan to stifle SciCoh dives. An interception by Jake Varholak deep in the redzone led to a sweep left run for touchdown by Deacon Evriviades who followed blocks from Leopold Kuehberger, Mac Corey, Andrew Sullivan, Charlie Shape and to put the Raiders on top 6-0.
The defensive front line of Matt Griffin, Cavan Nicholas, Andrew Sullivan, JT Reale, Mac Corey, Cam McKenna and Eli Melendes constantly penetrated the Sharks backfield forcing back to back punts. With just over a minute remaining in the first half the momentum shifted and the Raiders began to take over. QB Varholak hit WR Deacon Evriviades on a slant and he slashed his way down to the 2 yard line where Varholak punched it in on the next play for a 12-0 lead. With just 20 seconds left in the half. The Sharks gambled throwing a bomb which was intercepted by a leaping safety Evriviades who took it 72yards to the house for a pick six to put the Raiders ahead 18-0 at the half.
Good coaches make adjustments during halftime and the Raiders staff recognized an opportunity to exploit the Sharks penchant to stack the box which resulted in scores on their first three possessions. QB Varholak connected with JT Reale for a 43 yard TD pass to paydirt, Drew St Pierre split the linebackers and sprinted 33 yards for the touchdown to make it 30-0 in the 3rd quarter. Special teams was a bright spot on the afternoon with Ned Buckley relentlessly making tackles and recovering a fumble giving the ball back to the Raiders. Quickly taking advantage of the opportunity QB Varholak sat in the pocket created by his lineman and threw a strike to Cavan Nicholas for a 48 yard TD to take a commanding 36-0 at the end of the third quarter. SciCoh scored a late game TD to make the final score 36-6 to put the Raiders at 2-0 as they host rival Bridgewater at Hingham HS this Sunday at 11:30
On Saturday, the JV squad exhibited how deep the talent on this team is with an outstanding QB performance by Brody Beale, catches by Teddy Anderson runs by Jack Daley, Jack Waterbury and Matt Thorley. The defense was led by big tackles by Wyatt Averett, Cole Riordan, Greyson Liebsch, Gavin Fabella and Matt Radulski as they beat Plymouth North 20-0.