By Joel van der Veen

ASSINIBOIA — As they headed down Highway 2 last weekend, the Davidson Raiders knew the odds weren’t in their favour.

The Raiders had played the Assiniboia Rockets twice in the regular season, ending up with close losses on both occasions.

Heading into conference playoffs, Davidson was also coping with the loss of several players due to injury or absence.

“Coming in, I knew it was going to be a tough game,” said quarterback Andrew Read.

“I kind of had it in the back of my head that maybe, just maybe, we could pull an underdog story out.”

The Oct. 15 conference playoff game ended with a 49-12 loss for Davidson, bringing another season to an end.

The team’s two starting running backs, Addison Ouellette and Dawson George, had been sidelined after suffering concussions in previous games.

Similarly, Noel Matovich was off the defensive line with a shoulder injury.

Meanwhile, Jacob Schilling and Derek Schmiedge were in Delisle on Saturday competing in the provincial cross country meet.

The team suffered further losses during the game, as kicker Morgan Manz received a concussion and backup quarterback and kicker Carson George twisted his knee.

Offensive co-ordinator Greg McJannet said the high number of absences left the coaches struggling to fill lineups.

For the full story, please see the Oct. 24 edition of The Davidson Leader, or call 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.