by The Columbia Raiders went on the road to take on the Wellington Dukes looking to continue their strong start to the season. With an incredible 399 yards on the ground, the Raiders were able run away to a 49-18 victory.
It could not have been a better start for the Raiders, as Peyton Liedtke took the opening kickoff 81-yards for a touchdown. The Raiders then forced a fumble on Dukes running back Landon Beall that was recovered by AJ Lamb.
The very next play, Logan Menge broke free for a 29-yard touchdown on a quarterback keeper to make it 14-0. Liedtke set the Raiders up in the red zone on their following drive with a 38-yard run. The Raiders extended their lead to 21-0 with a 15-yard run by Xavier Hendon.
Hendon struck again in the second quarter with a 63-yard run for another touchdown. The onslaught continued when Menge completed his first pass of the game to Ambrose Beach for a 48-yard score that put Columbia up 28-0.
Just before halftime, Wellington finally got on the scoreboard. It took some creativity, as they pulled off a hook-and-ladder touchdown pass that was caught by Brady Irwin and pitched back to lineman Tyler Burns. Columbia took a 35-6 lead into the break.
Ambrose Beach took over on the Raiders’ first possession of the second half. His 47-yard run was followed by an 8-yard touchdown catch that made it 42-6. Late in the 3rd quarter, the Dukes were able to find the end zone with a rushing touchdown by quarterback Dom Wright.
Xavier Hendon continued his massive night with a 38-yard run for his third score of the night. Hendon finished the game with 16 carries for 217 yards on the ground. Dom Wright and the Dukes cut the deficit to 49-18 with a touchdown pass to Chaise Milks in the 4th quarter.
The Raiders (4-0) will look to remain unbeaten next week against the Black River Pirates. Meanwhile the Dukes (0-3), will look to get their first victory on the road against the Clearview Clippers.
Columbia Player of the Game
RB Xavier Hendon: 16 carries, 217 yards, 3 TDs
Wellington Player of the Game
QB Dom Wright: 11/20, 141 yards, 2 TD; 8 carries, 32 yards, 1 TD
