Red Raiders Preparing For J-Burg's Grumley

Quarterback Calvin Grumley of Johnsonburg calls his own number more often than not. His team visits Emporium Oct. 27 in the regular season finale.

Next Friday's regular season finale against Johnsonburg presents a stiff challenge for the Cameron County varsity football team. It's also an excellent chance to warm up for the playoffs.

The Red Raiders, who played a woeful Sheffield squad last night, will take a 6- 2 record into Friday's clash (7:00 p.m.) against the visiting Rams, who are also playoffbound.

In the center of the bull's eye will be senior Calvin Grumley.

A talented all-around athlete, quarterback Grumley often sets up in the shotgun formation and is given wide latitude by his coaches. More often than not, Grumley looks for an opening and takes off on foot. Cameron County's defense,

which has been impressive this season, will be geared toward keeping the signal-caller under control.

Johnsonburg also plays strong defense, often stacking the middle and daring the opponent to pass.

It shapes up to be an interesting game, with the winner potentially earning a more favorable seeding in the district playoffs, which get underway the weekend of Nov. 4-5.

Raiders pound ECC

That Red Raider "D" recorded its second shutout in the past three games last Friday at St. Marys, as CCHS rolled to a 35-0 win.

On the offensive side, the Raiders once again

demonstrated versatility and strength on the ground. Pat Catalano took his turn as the leading rusher with 115 yards on 15 carries. Cameron held a 323-132 edge in total yards. After a sloppy first quarter, the Raiders cracked a scoreless tie when Nick Malize intercepted a screen pass and returned it roughly 50 yards for the TD.

Defense also led indirectly to the visitors' second touchdown. After Cameron County forced the Crusaders to punt from deep within their own territory, quarterback Jordan Crane took advantage of the excellent field position by firing a strike to Sean McManigle for a touchdown play that covered 29 yards.

That 12-0 advantage held up long into the second half, as the Raider defense kept ECC at bay. Cameron County launched a drive midway through the third quarter that ended when Catalone scored from six yards out. He also ran for the PAT.

With the Crusaders unable to move the ball, the outcome was no longer in doubt.

In the fourth quarter, John Malizia (10 carries, 79 yards) juked a defender to embark on a 50-yard touchdown run.

Darrick Mason scored from one yard out in the closing minutes.

If there was a downside to Friday's win, it was the turnover bug that continued to plague the Raiders. They coughed up a pair of fumbles and surrendered the ball twice on interceptions. On the other hand, Elk County Catholic was in an even more generous mood, losing five fumbles and surrendering two picks.