Your Wagner Red Raiders played the Winner Warriors on Friday night for what proved to be an exciting game. The 4th-ranked Raiders beat the no. 1-ranked Warriors by a score of 34-20. This is the first time in school history the Raiders have defeated Winner. The game was drama-filled with a lot of ups and downs for the Raiders, but in the end, they were able to execute and make school history!

The Wagner defensive attack was led by Gannon Knebel, who had 10 tackles. Trasin Dilts contributed a sack, and Slaten Podzimek provided 5 tackles of his own. The front line for the Wagner Red Raiders played an excellent game against Winners’ tough run game. Their fight and grit were truly impressive. Among those players on the starting defensive line were Kobe Drapeau, Trey Drapeau, Trasin Dilts, Brayden Kreber, and Bennet Kuhlman.

Offensive leaders include Gannon Knebel, who rushed for 170 yards and 3 TDs. Knebel also passed for 183 yards and 2 TDs. The receiving core was led by senior receiver Shea Kjeldgaard, who had 94 yards receiving and converted 4 red Raider first downs. Along with Cruise Koupal, who had another big night with 67 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns as well.

Tied up at halftime, the Raiders were able to recover the 2nd-half opening kickoff on a Winner Warriors fumble. That fumble was picked up by Beau Otte. This proved to be a vital point in the game. The Raiders had a few big stops defensively in the second half. The moment of the game, however, was the 4th-quarter drive that used 7 minutes of game clock that sealed the Red Raiders victory. That drive was capped with a 22-yard passing touchdown on 4th and 6 from Knebel to Koupal to put the Warriors away. Two years in a row, the Raiders have defeated the past year’s state champion at home!

The Red Raiders head for Hot Springs next week for a road battle!