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The Raider varsity football team won their season opener Friday, defeating the Chewelah Cougars 12-7 in Chewelah.

“We knew that Chewelah was a tough opponent,” Raider Head Coach Tim Rasmussen told The Star on Monday. “It was a very good battle, a great defensive game from both schools.”

“When it comes down to it, we made more plays than they did,” Rasmussen continued. “I was impressed with our team. We were fighting together and not letting things, like the adversity on the field, affect us.”

After a 0-0 tie at the end of the first half, Raider Quarterback Brit Egbert threw a touchdown pass to Boston Hevener in the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Chase Marchand intercepted a pass attempt from Chewelah and returned it roughly 25 yards for a touchdown to put the Raiders up 12-0. 

Chewelah threw for a touchdown in the fourth quarter with roughly four minutes left, but the Raiders sealed the deal for the 12-7 final score. 

“We got that pick six that put us up 12 to nothing,” Rasmussen recounted. “From there, our kids did what they did all game, focusing on their job and playing tough defense.” 

He added that, on defense, Egbert “had a ton of tackles” and Tanner Kiser had two interceptions, and Clark had a couple of tips that led to those interceptions.

“It’s great to be back playing Friday night football in the fall,” Rasmussen said about the first game of the season.

The Raiders’ next game is in Coulee Dam this Friday at 6 p.m. against Dayton-Waitsburg.