By Sebastian Wiegand, Sports Editor
The difference between winning and losing was a single point as the Raiders fell to the Heritage Eagles, 19-18 last Friday night. It marked the 5th one score game the Raiders played this season; however, it was their fourth loss in those games as they finish the season 4-5.
The game was highlighted by big catches from Devante Wheaten for the Raiders and Tim Pless for the Eagles.
The Eagles jumped out early on a 12 yard by Tyler Boesch. Shortly after, Jaelin Odegard connected with Devante Wheaten for a 24 yard touchdown pass. Neither team could score in the second quarter, and they went to the half with the Eagles leading the Raiders 7-6.
After halftime the Raiders added two more scores: a one yard run by AJ Thomas and a six yard pass from Odegard to EJ Reed. The Raiders led 18-7 at the end of the third quarter. However, 11 points were not enough as Heritage punched the ball into the end zone on a pair of runs to gain the lead 19-18. The Raiders could not manage to score and fell to 4-5 on the season.
It is the first time since 2008 that the Raiders have finished the regular season with a losing record. However there is still one thing that will remain the same for the Raiders; for the 10th consecutive season they have earned another game as they take on Regis Jesuit High School on Friday in the first round of the state playoffs.
“I feel like we just have to prove it to ourselves that we can do it,” said Junior AJ Thomas, who finished the season with over 1000 rushing yards.
This is Rangeview’s 16th appearance in the playoffs in their 32 year history. Despite their success in getting to the postseason the Raiders have struggled once there. In their 19 playoff games the Raiders are just 4-15 and have not won a playoff game since 2010 when the Colorado Football Player of the year, Jaleel Awini, aided by a DII All-American, John Tidwell, made a run that ended in the great eight.
“We think we deserve a run at state,” said Junior Linebacker Sean Kaai, “and we won’t stop until we get it.”
The run at state this season will start at Regis Jesuit High School at 7:00 pm Friday night.
