By Joel van der Veen

OUTLOOK — As they kicked off their season on Thursday, the Davidson Raiders were feeling the heat in more ways than one.

The temperature hovered close to 30°C with a cloudless sky overhead as the senior football team visited the Outlook Blues for their season opener.

Hopes were high for coaches, players and fans alike, all anticipating a big year for the Raiders.

“We’re hoping to make a big run,” said head coach Jason Low, calling the current lineup “the best team on the field that Davidson’s had, up to this point.”

The Raiders delivered on those hopes with a triumphant 90-38 win over Outlook.

Davidson led from the start, with Dawson George scoring the team’s opening touchdown four minutes into the first quarter.

The first half saw the Raiders giving up little ground, holding the Blues to just one TD, scored by Jeff Pshyk near the end of the first quarter.

The Raiders’ offensive had similar success with repeated touchdowns and a couple of successful conversions by kicker Morgan Manz, bringing the score to 54-8 at the halfway mark.

A large lead gave Davidson freedom to rotate its lineup in the second half, allowing younger players plenty of time on the field.

Though Outlook made some progress, the Raiders continued to dominate, taking the tally to 76-30 in the third quarter.

Low and the other coaches were clearly pleased with the results.

“We feel pretty darn good about it,” said Low, adding that after the first offensive and defensive series, “we realized that things were going to work for us.”

For the full story and a full page of photos, please see the Sept. 5 edition of The Davidson Leader or call 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.