(ST. CHARLES, MO) After scoring 75 points in their last game three weekends ago, one would assume that the River City Raiders indoor football franchise would not be able to eclipse that benchmark for the remainder of the season.
Photo Credit: Mick Lite Photography
Think again.
Paced by running back Tyler Batts’ five end zone romps, the Raiders thumped the Cincinnati Bulldogs, 81-14, Sunday afternoon at Family Arena and kept its inaugural campaign spotless (3-0). River City has outscored its opponents, 203-88, through three games.
Tied 8-8 in the first quarter, the Raiders scored 47 points uncontested to define the game’s narrative.
Batts collected his first touchdown run of the afternoon, quarterback Tarean Austin scored on a keeper and receiver DeAndre Jackson snagged a six-point catch to give the Raiders a 21-8 lead at the end of one quarter.
Photo Credit: Mick Lite Photography
The surge continued in the second frame and highlighted by defensive back Patrick Wells’ touchdown interception, River City outscored the Bulldogs 20-0 in the quarter and possessed a 41-8 lead at halftime.
The Raiders proceeded with its ensuing 47-0 scoring run and led 55-8 during the third quarter. Although Cincinnati broke its offensive drought with a touchdown in the frame, River City outpaced the Bulldogs 20-6 and widened the score to 61-14 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Raiders’ stubborn defense held strong in the final frame and collected 20 points straight en route to the 81-14 victory. For the game, Wells grabbed a pair of interceptions returned for touchdowns while teammate Bryan Lowery also had a scoring pick.
Photo Credit: Mick Lite Photography
Jackson had three end zone trips for the afternoon, two via receptions combined with a kickoff returned for a score.
River City, currently 2-0 in the American Indoor Football – Northern Division, continues AIF play on the road against West Michigan (2-1) this Saturday evening. In their prior meeting earlier this season, the Raiders topped the Ironmen, 75-68.
River City returns to Family Arena on Saturday, April 23 to face the Chicago Blitz.
For more information on the River City Raiders, go to indoorraiders.com.
By trade, he is a six-time, regional Emmy Award-winning news videographer/editor for KTVI/KPLR-TV. By hobby, he is a writer for Arch City Media, dating back to February 2014. Emphasis is on featuring and promoting local women's sports, but will cover anything that is not reported by traditional media outlets. Also a contributor to local concert reviews.
