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08/10/2007: "Raiders'offense sacked by Pioneers"

Raiders'offense sacked by Pioneers
By Peter Jackel
Journal Times



It was just one of those flukish things for the Racine Raiders, something coach Jordan Kopac doesn’t care to ever see again.
With quarterbacks Dan Novotny and Gordy Bittner not able to make the trip because of previous commitments, the Raiders lost to Midwest (Minn.) Pioneers 21-10 Saturday night at Arden Hills, Minn. The Raiders (2-2) took a 10-0 lead in the first quarter, but slowly allowed this North American Football League game to slip away.
The Pioneers (1-1) defeated Racine for the first time after losing three previous matchups.
With no experienced quarterback available, Kopac was forced to rely on Brett Statema, who played for the Racine Horsemen last season. Lacking the experience and height of the 6-foot-4 Novotny, the 6-0 Statema struggled, completing seven of 16 passes for 42 yards, with no touchdowns and two interceptions. He also was sacked four times by a Pioneers defense that blitzed often.
Bryan Jennings Jr. gave the Raiders a decent ground game with 57 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries, but he was about the extent of the offense. No other Raiders running back had any positive rushing yards. The Raiders had just 33 yards in the first half and 105 in the game — 147 less than the Pioneers.
"This was really my first experience playing like a one-armed paper hanger," said Kopac, who had wide receiver Sam D’Alie as an emergency backup to Statema. "We only could run. I never had that experience before and I certainly don’t want to have it again.
"When we get Dan back, we’re going to get back on track. We’re not disappointed at all. We’re only disappointed that we lost. We’re not disappointed in the performance of our players. We’re just looking forward to getting our quarterback back."
Joel DaPra gave the Raiders an early 3-0 lead and Jennings made it 10-0 with a 5-yard touchdown run. But then the Pioneers took control on their home field behind wide receiver Joseph Mapson, who caught eight passes for 116 yards, including a 15-yard touchdown reception.
Linebacker Jamie Isome led the Raiders defensively with five solo tackles, four assists, a half sack and 5 1/2 hurries. Linebacker Brian Sylvas added four solos and three assists.