Down to the Elite 8, the quarterfinals. Every team left is 2-0 in the playoffs. No soft touches survive to this point.
In 1974 we beat Hahnville 7-6 at their place in the quarterfinals.
This year the Raiders are minus our starting QB and #1 RB. Both were lost for the season to injuries weeks ago. A freshman has stepped up and has played well at QB. Well enough to be 3-0 now as a starter. But the defense is carrying the load and it gets even tougher next week.
I know what it's like to play defense and feel like you have to pitch a shutout to win the game. One mistake, one unlucky bounce of the ball could spell defeat. It does cause you to focus and play EVERY down like the game was riding on it....because it was!
In 1974 we lost to Fair Park (at Indy Stadium) 7-0 in the semis. After a punt pinned us deep, our offense fumbled at our frickin' two yard line. It took FP four tries, but on 4th down their RB leaped over the line and broke the plane. We threw him back, but the zebras got the call right. After the game many of our fans were complaining about the call. I was on the goal line and that kid was airborne past me before we grabbed him. He had scored.
That was it. A 4-play two-yard drive and we lost. Oh yeah, I know what it's like to play defense with an anemic offense.....
The Super Ants, baby!
Raider Pride!