Let the hitting begin!
Football scrimmage bodes well for Raiders

   This past Saturday morning the Cal-Mum Raider Football team hosted their annual football scrimmage at the Hamilton Field Sports Complex. Participating in this year’s scrimmage were squads form Batavia Notre Dame, Oakfield-Alabama, Perry and York.

   Under sunny skies, football fans had their first opportunity to view their teams as they tried to predict what the 2008 season holds for them. Hopes are once again high for the Raiders as they begin their quest for both a league and sectional crown

   The Raiders entered the scrimmage at less than full strength with a handful of players nursing injuries. The positive news on the injured players’ front is that all the starters are expected to be ready for the opening game of the season, this coming Friday night at Cuba-Rushford Central School.

   Though there is only so much that can be gained by a scrimmage, this much is true, Oakfield-Alabama has a big, strong team. The Raiders more than held their own and played well against the Hornets but O-A is certainly going to be a force, come sectional time. This scrimmage was the only opportunity that the Raiders and the Hornets will have to face off against each other because O-A will be playing up in Class "C" while the Raiders will be participating in Class "DD", for 2008 season.

   The new look York Golden Knights displayed a more opened offense, punctuated by an exciting passing attack. Under the guidance of 1st year head coach Eric Amorese, the former Cal-Mum offensive coordinator, the Golden Knights football program appears to be on the upswing. The Knights will provide their fans with plenty to cheer about this season and seasons to come as the team becomes more comfortable with Coach Amorese’s new offensive system.

   Batavia Notre Dame will continue to be a factor in Genesee County Football race. Like league-mate Oakfield-Alabama, the Irish played with heart and are not afraid to come up and put a big hit on the ball carrier. Expect to see Notre Dame contending for the Class "D" crown come November.

   Perry could prove to be a spoiler in Class "D" if they can cut down on the number of mistakes and find some consistency on offense. The Yellow Jackets certainly did not back down from any team at the scrimmage and showed signs that this team will not be an easy out for any of their 2008 opponents.

   Cal-Mum played well throughout the scrimmage. Quarterbacks Chris Voos and Mike Anderson both threw the ball well. Running backs Dave Fox and Jon Marozzi ran hard and both had several exciting runs on offense. Linemen Tom Gorrow, Jon Grann, Brian Sinclair, Dave Aurand, Ken Bohn and Matt Riggi though small by Cal-Mum standards are quicker and they consistently opened holes for the running backs. Defensively, the Raiders pursued well and hit hard.

   The scrimmage, as always, exposed some issues that will be addressed in the coming week. All in all though, Coach Monacelli had to be pleased with his team’s effort.

   If this year’s Raiders can play disciplined football, cut down on the penalties and mistakes that have haunted recent Cal-Mum teams, this team has the potential to play into November. Go Raiders!