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Grand Rapids, MI—GRCC’s #5 Raider football team remains undefeated following Saturday’s 26-24 win over Iowa Western’s #7 Reivers.  The win also earned the Riaders the Midwest Football Conference Championship.

When the Raiders faced the Reivers earlier this season the two teams put on a scoring clinic as they combined for 104 points and 1,133 total yards of offense as the Raiders walked away with a 56-48 win.

Saturday both teams’ defenses took to the field with the greatest senses of urgency.  The Reivers held the Raiders to 425 yards of offense while the Raiders held the Reivers to 362 yards with only 25 rushing.

The Raider defense came through.  Evan Ray finished the game with seven solo tackles and one pass breakup.   Terrell Porter led the Raiders with 8.5 tackles, one tackle for a loss and a 44 yard interception return late in the fourth quarter as the Reivers were pushing into Raider territory.  Nathan Lindsey and Myrick Gwynn combined for 15.5 tackles, two tackles for losses and one sack.

In addition to a more improved defensive game plan by both teams, penalties also kept the two explosive offensive teams from reaching the endzone.  GRCC had 15 penalties for 237 yards while Iowa Western had 7 for 78.

The Reivers were led by quarterback Jake Waters who went 30-of-55 for 324 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions.  GRCC’s quarterback Cody Kater rushed for one touchdown and completed 18-of-33 for 246 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions.  Both were sacked five times by the opposing team.

Kater targeted receiver Corey Smith for nine receptions and 94 yards.  Receiver Brian Parker finished the game with 5 catches for 69 yards and Elan Banks had two receptions for 71 yards.

The Raider’s ground leaders were Jayshon Jackson and Devin Jarret.  Jarret finished the game with 14 carries for 65 yards.  Jackson rushed the ball 12 times for 78 yards and one touchdown.

Kicker Greg Cognetto made two critical field goals from 26 and 32 yards.  The 26 yard kick put the Raiders on top 26-24 with 7:20 left in the fourth quarter.

At  11-0 the Raiders may have earned the opportunity to compete for the NJCAA National Championship.