In only their second year in the ND independent 6-man football league, the Drake-Anamoose Raiders took the State Championship title. The ND state 6-man football league consists of 8 teams throughout the state and the Raiders football squad was very successful during the year. Game scores during the season were as follows, win vs. Drayton 51-0; win vs.Central Staton 57-44; win vs Mandaree 61-20; win vs. Williston Trinity 45-0; win vs Alexander 40-6; and the Raiders received state-wide recognition in their scoreboard shattering 107-84 win vs. Midway-Minto.
Their record won them a spot in the state title game that was held at the Roughrider Center in Watford City on Oct. 19th vs. # 2 ranked Center Staton. The title game was a tough battle of size versus speed with many lead changes throughout the game. The C-S Wildcats relied on running the ball with their larger size. The Raiders utilized their quickness with multiple offensive threats and a balance of running and passing. In the end it came down to the Raider’s Junior kicker, Cade Melaas’s ability to convert on their extra point attempts while the Raiders line blocked the Wildcats’ last attempt. The quarter scores were, Qtr 1:Raiders 20-Wildcats 14; Qtr 2: Raiders 26, Wildcats 28; Qst 3: Raiders 56, Wildcats 48; and the final: Raiders 70, Wildcats 68.
The Raiders at the end of the night, in front of a large, loud Drake-Anamoose fan section, brought home more than just the coveted State Championship title. Head coach, Anthony Cook, received the Coach of the Year award. The Raiders received an award for having the best record in the independent league season. Lastly Sophomore Elijiah Nickelson, and Juniors Jaylee Brandt, Payton Martin, and Hunter Fletschock were named to the 6-man All State team. This capped off what will be a very memorable season in Raider footbsll history.
