Junior High finishes unbeaten

Cameron County used two long runs and an opportunistic defense to blank the Ridgway Elkers, 12-0, Thursday night and polish off a third consecutive undefeated junior high football season.

Both teams knew the stakes coming into the game and spent the first quarter using a conservative ground game. The host Elkers chose to blitz their linebackers to clog up the running lanes. Even so, the Raiders drove down to the Ridgway seven-yard line before being turned away.

On their next possession, a determined Brett Malize shook off several would-be tacklers and sprinted 35 yards for a touchdown.

Cameron County's defense protected that lead. Raider Andy Lippert outwrestled an Elker to make one pass interception and Jason Blose picked off another aerial just before halftime.

The Raiders opened the second half with an effective drive that ended when Lippert took off on a reverse play and scored from 30 yards out.

Coach John Fragale's defense, led by Mark Schweikart, Ryan Reed, Andrew Fragale, Blose, and Lippert, was determined to make the 12-0 lead hold up. The coaches also credited the Raider offensive line for holding its ground against a bigger Elker unit. Lou Fragale, Aaron Dempsey, Nick Thwing,

Andrew Fragale, Hunter Bardo, and Ryan Reed had their work cut out for them.

The veteran Coach Fragale was assisted this season by Jason Sloppy and Jeremiah Fragale.