Raiders vs. Rams: the sequel!

Head Coach Tony Defilippi works on a passing drill during practice. Although the Red Raiders depend on their ground game, quarterback Jordan Crane is capable of mixing things up with an aerial assault, as well.

Not since the Cameron County Red Raiders fought their way to a PIAA District 9 championship in 1999 has there been this much excitement about a local high school football team in Emporium. Shaking off adversity that started with two standout players being sidelined, followed by a coaching flap late last month, the Raiders are marching into Johnsonburg tonight as a unified force hoping to exact some revenge.

Two weeks ago, a high snap in punt formation and some coverage gaps on a punt return probably cost Cameron County a win against Johnsonburg on the local gridiron.

Tonight's game gives the Raiders a chance to even the score against the Rams in the wake of that 13-7 setback and, more importantly, progress to the District 9 semifinals next weekend, against the winner of Friday's Clarion at Coudersport game.

Second-year head coach Tony Defilippi's Raiders carry a 6-3 record into the showdown. Offensively, they've featured a variety of running backs and formations, leading to considerable success on the ground. Leading the offense have been Cameron Clingan (68 carries, 486 yards, 4 TDs; 3 catches, 51 yards), John Malizia (54 carries, 334 yards, 5 TDs), Patrick Catalano (40 carries, 243 yards, 3 TDs), and Abram Zoschg (26 carries, 197 yards, 4 TDs; 5 catches, 180 yards, 4 TDs).

The Red Raiders average 231 yards per game on the ground. They have eight players with 100 or more yards rushing; 13 different players have scored touchdowns.

Quarterback Jordan Crane has demonstrated poise in completing 28 of 70 pass attempts, good for 652 yards and 11 touchdowns, with seven interceptions.

On the defensive side, Cameron County features one of the best units in the region. Among the leaders are John Malizia (62 tackles, 3 sacks), Darrick Mason (60 tackles, 5 sacks), Marcus Mullens (54 tackles, 4 sacks), Catalano (45 tackles, 4 sacks), Mike Malizia (49 tackles), Taylor Songer (37 tackles) and Shawn Ellenberger (33 tackles). Any analysis of the 7-2

Johnsonburg Rams starts with senior Calvin Grumley, who is responsible for almost 70 percent of his team's offense.

As a quarterback often operating out of the shotgun formation, Grumley has run the football 119 times for 411 yards and eight touchdowns. He has passed 159 times with 73 completions, 1,043 yards and eight TDs.

Grumley is also a key performer on a Johnsonburg defense that has shown steady improvement this season and a growing ability to contain the running game.

Starting tonight, the Red Raiders could have a big opportunity to knock off all three teams that defeated them during the regular season, since Coudersport looms as the favorite this weekend and Curwensville could be waiting down the road in two weeks.