DAVENPORT, IA–To be the best, you got to compete with the best.

It looked like the 10th-ranked Southern Oregon University Raider football team were late to the party as they scored 28 points in the second half to advance to the quarterfinals of the NAIA playoffs.

“We didn’t really make adjustments as much as we just got our kids to calm down and just play” said tight ends coach John Roy on the game, “we are excited right now after the win but anxious to find out who we play next week.”

The Raiders were faced with a 28-17 deficit heading into the fourth quarter after committing three second quarter turnovers; un-Raider-isc of a offense that is leading the nation in almost every offensive section heading into today’s game against the eighth-ranked Fighting Bees of St. Ambrose University.

“What was said in the locker room was that Southern beats Southern,” said junior defensive back Kevin Grossman, “Coach Howard said that this was a test from god to show our character, and that he knew with all his heart that we where going to come out with a W.”

Things looked up for the Raiders as sophomore phemon Austin Dodge connected with Patrick Donahue from 34 yards out to cut the lead down to 28-24 on the first play of the quarter.

Southern Oregon’s defense held the Fighting Bees to a punt and holding St. Ambrose to four yards on their first possession of the quarter.  One of five punts in the quarter for the Iowa squad.

Dodge then led the Raiders on another touchdown drive, this time connecting to senior receiver Cole McKensie from five yards out for Dodge’s third touchdown pass; with a Colin Amsler extra point good, the Raiders finally got the lead 31-28 with 11:03 left in the game.

It took some time, and a few punts, but the Raiders then added to their score.  This time four-yards out from senior running back Manny Barragan, Barragan would finish the game with 192 yards on the ground.

On the next Fighting Bee offensive possession  sophomore cornerback Josh Leff intercepted Eric William for the second time on the day, returning it to the house from 39 yards out to seal both team’s fate’s, 46-28.

“It was a great win for this team today, we had to deal with adversity being down at halftime.we came together as a team, and came out victorious.”  said senior receiver Cole McKensie, whom caught four balls for 39 yards and a touchdown. “This was a great win for us, and it’s a great day to be a Raider.”

It was a game of two 28-point swings.  To start the game, the Raiders had a 17-6 lead heading into the second quarter before three costly turnovers, two fumbles and one interception, turned into Bees touchdowns heading into halftime.

The Raiders defense accounted for 11 tackles for losses, six sacks, and two interceptions.  Freshman linebacker Daniel Breuax led the Raiders with four tackle for losses and three sacks in the victory today.

Where as the offense found it’s groove on the rushing attack, rushing for a combined 240 yards compare to 370 yards in the air.  A more balanced offensive attack from Southern Oregon than in weeks prior.

As of right now, the Raiders are waiting for whom they are facing next Saturday in the quarterfinals of the NAIA playoffs, the answer to this question will have to wait until tomorrow at one in the afternoon.

“As of now we aren’t sure who we are playing, but regardless of if we play at home or not were going to come out fired up and ready to play.” said Grossman, “Our goal is to be 1 and 0 at the end of the week, and I know god has special plans for our team.”

Score by Quarter     1      2     3     4  –  T

Southern Oregon        17      0    0     28  – 45

St. Ambrose                   6     22   0      0  –   28

Rushing (Attempts-Yards)

Southern Oregon– Barragan, Manny 30-192; Marshall, Zach, 12-41; Dodge, Austin 3-7; Olson, Michael 7-3, Team 2-0.  Total:  52-240.  St. Ambrose – Kelly, Cole 22-143; Wilkins 2-36; Klingle, Matt 1-(-3); Williamson, Eric 6- (-13) Total: 31-163.

Passing (Comp-Att-Int- Yards)

Southern Oregon- Dodge, Austin- 28-51-1-307.  Total:  28-51-1-307.  St. Ambrose- Williamson, Eric 26-42-2-309.  Wilkins, Anton 0-1-0-0.  Total:  26-43-2-309.

Receiving (Receptions-Yards)

Southern Oregon – Donahue, Patrick 6-83; Barragan, Manny 6-47; Olson, Michael 5-81; McKenzie 4-39; Marshall, Zach 3-21; Sierra, Clay 2-30; Otaguro, Justin 1-1; Total: 28-307.  St. Ambrose-  O’Donnell, Sam 9-157; Grant, Zach 4-38; Munro, Mike 3-43; Cappaert, Austin 3-30; Kelly, Cole 3-24; Overstr, M. 1-12; Friederich, A. 1-7; Wilkins, Anton 1-(-1); Williamson, Eric 1-(-1)