The Northern Raiders Midget Football Club lost its third straight game April 19, to the Calgary Stampeders at Shouldice Athletic Park in Calgary.
After starting the season with two straight shutout losses, the Raiders came into the matchup with high hopes, but after being shutout for the third straight game, head coach Steve Kemp was visibly disappointed.
ìThey took the game to us in every aspect,î said Kemp.
ìItís about practice, we have got to get back to practice, work hard and have everyone show up. We need to practice to fix some things. We got beat by effort tonight.î
Despite his disappointment, Kemp said he was impressed with the way the squad has taken the rough start to the season.
Again, the team fought a game during which it was unable to get the ball into the end zone, leaving the field without a single touchdown.
The Raiders have been out-scored in the three matchups 115-0, but Kemp said once the team gets its confidence after its first touchdown of the year things should look different.
ìNot being able to score right now is a big monkey on our back, but as soon as we do the floodgates will open,î Kemp said.
The next matchup for the Raiders is against the Calgary Broncos, a team that Kempís squad beat during the preseason Jamboree day.
ìThis will be their hardest week of practice, we will be working our butts off to make sure this never happens again. It will be our best game all year,î said Kemp.
They have some really skilled players, they are really fast and always have good numbers. They like to hit, they are big boys.î
The Northern Raiders sit last in the Bolton Division standings, the only other team without a win is the Calgary Broncos.
The Raiders will face off against the Calgary Broncos April 26 at Shouldice Athletic Park at 7 p.m.
