Racine Raiders Win Championship on 48-Yard Field Goal

When kicker Brady Wodack lined up for a 48-yard field goal with the league championship on the line, he had every reason to feel pressure after missing a shorter kick just six minutes earlier. Instead, he stayed calm, trusted his team, and nailed it straight through the uprights.

The kick sealed an undefeated season for the Racine Raiders, a semi-pro football team that's becoming a powerhouse in their league. It's their third championship in four years, and their second straight national title after winning in both 2023 and 2024.

Wodack credits the team's culture for their continued success. "You got guys that will hold other guys accountable," he said. "Everyone on time to practice, just pushing everyone to be the best teammate and the best version of themselves."

That culture runs deep, especially for quarterback Sawyer Schick. Born and raised in Racine, he grew up watching Raiders games with his family and now leads the team he once cheered for from the stands.

"When we're all together, we're a super tight-knit group of guys, and we have a really good connection on the team," Schick said. That connection shows on the field, where trust and chemistry turn pressure moments into championship wins.

The Ripple Effect

The Raiders' success reaches beyond the scoreboard. In a small Wisconsin city, this team gives local athletes a chance to keep playing the sport they love while representing their hometown. Families pack the stands, kids wear Raiders jerseys, and the community rallies around homegrown talent.

The organization stays focused on what matters most: building better people, not just better players. "Just keep getting better at the game of football and just creating memories and relationships throughout playing the game," Schick explained.

The championship was just the beginning of what could be another historic run. The Raiders will host an exhibition game on September 26 at Horlick Athletic Field, giving fans another chance to celebrate at home. In October, they'll compete for the regional championship in Indianapolis, with a win sending them to nationals in November.

For a team that's already won back-to-back national titles, the momentum keeps building. But Wodack, Schick, and their teammates understand that accountability, dedication, and showing up for each other created this dynasty.

Small city pride meets championship glory, and Racine couldn't be prouder.