By Joey Hudson
On Friday September 8th the Northfield Raiders hosted the Faribault Falcons for the Raiders home opener of the 2023 football season. The Falcons received the opening kickoff but went three and out only running in their power formation with three running backs and two tight ends. The junior Seth Thompson started at quarterback again for the Raiders, leading them downfield mainly led by great runs by seniors Kam Kaiser, Cam Mellgren, and Jake Geiger. On 2nd & 5 from the Faribault 30 Thompson threw a strike to Kam Kaiser who had a great run after catch to put the Raiders within the Faribault 5 yard line. The Faribault defense held strong in the red zone making the Raiders settle for a field goal, which senior Stephan Kallestad kicked through the uprights easily.
Kam Kaiser highlights from the game
After forcing the Falcons to go three and out again the Raiders drove down the field before Thompson connected with Kaiser for a 25 yard touchdown. After once again making Faribault punt after three plays Jake Geiger took a weak punt to start off the 2nd quarter for a 35 yard punt return to put the Raiders in the red zone quickly. On 2nd and goal from the 7 yard line Thompson pitched the ball to Kaiser who found the outside for another Raiders touchdown, and after the extra point it was a 17-0 game. On Northfields next possession they started off with a great run by Kam Kaiser before he was narrowly pushed out of bounds by Faribault at the Falcons 25. on 2nd & 11 from the Faribault 24 Seth Thompson made a great throw with three defenders in his face to Jake Geiger in the end zone for another Raiders touchdown.
Jake Geigers highlights from the game
On Faribaults next possession they fumbled the handoff where senior Daniel Worden jumped on the ball putting the Raiders on the Falcons 26. After a couple penalties set the Raiders back far, on 1st & 30 Seth Thompson found Kam Kaiser for a 46 yard touchdown. After the touchdown the Raiders opted to go for two where Thompson threw the ball to Jacob Geiger who caught it short of the end zone before fighting for the conversion. With a 32-0 lead the Raiders on 2nd and goal from the 4 pitched the ball to Kaiser who saw an open lane and took it for his fourth touchdown in the half.
More Kam Kaiser highlights
After the massive first half, Northfield opted to rest their starters and let the backups play. JT Graupman came in to play quarterback in relief of Seth Thompson and completed 3 of 6 passes for 32 yards including a great side arm pass to Julian Vazquez. Seth ended his day completing 8 of 10 passes for 154 yards, three touchdowns, a two point conversion, and nine yards on the ground. Kam Kaiser had 157 yards from scrimmage, two touchdowns on the ground, and two through the air. Jake Geiger had 104 yards from scrimmage, a receiving touchdown, caught a two point conversion, and 62 punt return yards. On the defensive side, Daniel Worden had 3 solo tackles, 4 tackle assists, and a fumble recovery. Sophomore Henry Webber had 3 tackle assists, 2 tackles for loss, and the Raiders only sack on the game.
The Raiders hoist the cannon trophy for the second year following the 39-0 win
The Raiders will play again next week in Rochester John Marshall where they will try to move to 2-1 on the season.