Wagner Red Raiders football team traveled to Miller to take on the Rustlers last Friday night. It was a beautiful fall night for an opening to the 2022 football season. Wagner jumped out to an early lead with a 42-yard touchdown pass from Chris Nelson to Glenn Cournoyer. It was a great route great pass and great protection. A collective team effort, which needs to be duplicated consistently to keep us moving in the right direction. The second offensive touchdown was set-up by a great defensive play by Riley Roberts. Riley sat back in coverage, read the quarterbacks eyes, broke on the ball, and set the offense up in great field position inside Millers 15-yard line. The offense scored again on an eleven-yard run by Chris Nelson. The 2-point conversion was good with a completion from Chris to Riley.

On the defensive side of the ball, Millers opening drive moved the ball down the field, but Wagner held them out of the endzone. The defense played physical throughout the game. There were a lot of great individual plays made throughout the game on defense, but the plays were able to be made because of the defensive pursuit, proper angle to the ball, and willingness to play physical. Chris Nelson led the defense with 7 tackles. Jace Kuhlman, Bain Kuhlman, and Gannon Knebel each recorded 6 tackles on the night. The Raider defense accumulated 13 tackles for loss. Braxton Knudsen and Karstyn Lhotak earned 3 TFLs each. Others enjoying the feast were Jace, Bain, Riley, Parker Petry, and Jhett Breen. Karstyn and Parker had QB sacks on the night as well. Riley had a huge interception and return, and Gannon hawked down a second Raider INT for his team.

Special teams were very promising Friday night. Our protections were good, coverage is improving. Chris punted 6 times for 187 yards total averaging 30.7 yards. Punt returns and kickoff returns were so close to breaking open for huge gains. One more block on each of them and the final score is completely different. Field position battle is going to be huge for the Raiders this season, and special teams has a huge part in flipping the field.

Our next game is Friday night at Winner. As a program, we would like to thank the community of Wagner for your support.