Raiders Giving Local Fans Reason To Believe In '06

Last week's season-opening victory at Brockway has local high school football fans talkin' proud again.

As the countdown continues to next weekend's home opener against defending Allegheny Mountain League (AML) and PIAA District 9 champion Coudersport, Red Raider faithful have high hopes.

The Raiders headed to Smethport Friday night as favorites, while Coudersport was facing a weak Otto- Eldred team. The prospects of the Raiders and the Falcons each carrying a 2-0 record into the Sept. 15 opener (7:00) has fans salivating for a big game -- something the local gridiron hasn't seen in several years.

Coudersport will be without the services of returning MVP Sam Decker, a tailback, safety and kick returner who suffered a knee injury in the Falcons' 20-12 season opener win at Curwensville. Last week, after a slow start,

Cameron County showed an ability to move the football on the ground with a multi-faceted running attack.

Coach Tony Defilippi's boys also previewed a potentially strong aerial assault. The result was a 34-6 win against a Brockway team that was forecasted to be a contender for the AML South Division title (see details of last week's game inside).

The Red Raiders will jump from the frying pan into the fire on Friday, Sept. 22, when they travel to Curwensville.

If football fever is still sweeping the area after week four, then Cameron County could be headed to its first postseason playoff appearance in several years.

Next Friday's game will also mark the local debut of the new uniforms for director Dan Sensenig's Cameron County High School Marching Band. Band members did not wear the new threads at Brockway due to the rain.