The Raiders lose to Industrial 28-21.

INDUSTRIAL COBRAS 28, RICE RAIDERS 21

The Rice Raiders fell to 2-2 on Friday night after a 28-21 loss to Industrial.

The Raiders defense continues to play at a high level while their offense is starting to struggle a bit.

Defensively, the Raiders defense did what it usually does: They played aggressively, covered the ball well in the secondary and penetrated the line of scrimmage. However, they run into problems when the offense starts to struggle because it forces them to stay on the field longer and tires them out faster.

The defense helped keep things under control and gave the offense a chance to get back into the game. Even though the offense struggled throughout the game, they were able to put together enough effort to trail by just one point and ultimately lost.

Offensively, the Raiders have a good balance between rushing and passing, with their rushing attack being the stronger of the two as Cordae Johnson continues to develop as a passer. Industrial did a great job of stuffing the Raiders’ rushing attack and getting the ball into Johnson’s hands.

Johnson welcomed the challenge, and while the rushing attack has been the strongest part of their offense thus far, Johnson hasn’t been afraid to move the ball up the court this season. He completed 19 of 31 passes (61%) for 240 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

D’Neriyan Fuller was Johnson’s top target Friday night, catching nine balls for 98 yards and a touchdown. Tamarion Turner also saw action in the passing game, catching five passes for 78 yards, but it was AJ Jenkins who caught the second touchdown throw by Johnson.

Run Game struggled against Industrial, but they were still somewhat productive. Players like Johnson, Dairen Johnson and Robert Bennett carried the ball 18 times for 89 yards and a touchdown.

The Raiders will have a chance to get back in the win column when they arrive in Tidehaven for their fifth district game of the season, looking to pick up a crucial win at the bottom of the district.