By: Isaac Saba
Staff Writer
The boys varsity football team is on to a rocky start as they have begun their season 0-3. The team played the Belen Wolverines on Friday, September 14 at Sean Taylor Memorial field. It was a very close game as both teams played well in a shoot out of a game that ended with a score of 33-35 with Belen winning the game.
The Raiders and the Wolverines were neck and neck for most of the game. Senior Markeith Cooper scored two touchdowns while Bo Ellis had one. Late in the fourth quarter, the wolverines scored a touchdown leaving the score 26-35. The Raiders Bo Ellis would score on the following drive to cut Belen’s lead down to three, the extra point made it a two point game. The Raiders would then attempt an onside kick, but they were unsuccessful and the Wolverines recovered the ball. On the ensuing possession the Wolverines would run out the clock leaving the final score to be 33-35 Belen.
“We can’t be mad at this even though they are losses. We build muscle and the team is closer together, Districts are coming on and we have to go and get it,” said Coach Earl Sims when asked about how the season was going.
The Raiders will continue to work hard during practice in order to get back on track.
“The guys are doing well. They still have high expectations for the team and for themselves and I think that we will do well this season,” said Sims.
The team will also have to do with out their starting quarterback for some time, as he was hurt in the game against Dade Christian. Sophomore Jowan Watson will have to step up and perform for the Raiders.
“I expect us to be better than last year, but we may have to climb some mountains” said Sims.
The Raiders faced a rough start during the first games of the year. The team had their first preseason game Friday, August 24 against Tarpon Springs High School and unfortunately lost 14-13 in what proved to be a challenging game. The team had two costly fumbles that allowed the other team to score and win the game.
On August 31, the team had their first season game against Chaminade. Although players tried their hardest, they ended up losing 16-24. The team also played Dade Christian on September 7 and they lost 3-0.
Even with the early losses, Coach Sims wants his players to stay strong. He believes that the team will be tested every game they play and that each game will bring a different obstacle that the team will have to overcome in order to be successful.
