Close but No Cigar!

The West Deptford Eagles defeated the Red Raiders tonight 21-14. I had the pleasure of getting the game described to me by my clandestine informant since I wasn't able to be there. Thank you! As far as I know, the game will be broadcast on Comcast local Channel 5 on Saturday, the 25th, but I'm not sure what time.

From what was described to me and from what I've heard others tell - this was a fabulous game. The Mighty Mighty Raiders came to play and lit up WD's field. If there was any doubt about young Mr. Hodges....fear no more. He played one helluva game and he's only going to get better. Shavon Mears rushed for over 100yds and never took a down off. Anthony Pierce made the WD defense account for him with a catch over the middle. Shane Mitchell was 6 for 7 I believe. Alex Silvestro caught the 2 (count'em 2) TD passes from Hodges and also managed to get open on the last play in the endzone but there was no way for the QB to see him since he was busy fending off Eagles and got turned to the side. Ra'Chard Braxton had an Int stripped away, otherwise, who knows. The line play, Big D Hester, Bobbie Barnes and company, did an outstanding job.

The Raiders did everything I (we) asked them to do....unfortunately, the score didn't end in their favor. It happens.

Next stop, the Bulldogs come to exit 18B. It's not going to be pretty.

It's Finally Here

It's the day after Thanksgiving and we all know what that means......wrestling practice! Just kidding (well not really but we'll discuss that on another blog). Tonight is the last game of the regular season. I'm surprisingly calm, I'm not sure what that means. All I know is I started doing my cheers this morning. Help me out here.....D FENSE (stomp stomp) D FENSE (stomp stomp). They can't win if they don't score!!!!!! I read a great quote the other day, it said, "Don't think about WINNING, think about DOMINATING!." How great is that - I think we should get some T-shirts made up!

I have eaten just about one of every leftover there is today. I confess, I had 2 turkey sandwiches. I'm supposed to be stuffing envelopes right now, yea like that's gonna happen.

I know for a fact that the fellas are well prepared for tonight. They worked their butts off getting their game plan together and practicing it and practicing it and practicing it. Weather should be of little consequence. Some of the fellas have a chance to really shine tonight and make their nitch in the Red Raider history books. I've said it before but it bears repeating - play every down, 4 quarters - 48 minutes. No mistakes. When you hit'em the first time...hit'em again, hit'em again HARDER HARDER!!!!!

Boy I can't wait until this one's in the books. There's nothing Greater than being a Raider (fan). Get'em early Red! Get'em often Red! Get'em all night long!!!!!!

Tick Tick Tick

We're getting closer and closer. Friday night is almost here. WoooHoooo! Are ya ready for some football? I know I am. I'm feeling really good about this one too. I'm sure by Friday night I'll be an unraveled mess but I'm good right now.

I have the Red Raiders picked to win by 13. Here's my near end of game scenario (you're gonna love this): Picture this, three and half quarters of the game have already been played. WD was up at halftime but in the fourth quarter (did you get your 4 up?) the Raiders score on a handoff to Mears and the Raiders go up by 6. Raiders kickoff - WD drives down to the Paulsboro 30 yard line. With just a few minutes left WD goes for the pass and it's picked off by Shane Mitchell who runs almost the length of the field for the TD. Torre nails the extra point and the Mighty Mighty Raiders pluck the Birds, 25-12. Wouldn't that be fabulous. If it happens anywhere near this way, you'll never hear the end of it.

Paulsboro can do this. An added feature is that both teams will be playing for their Group Championship the following week unlike last year where Thanksgiving was WD's last game. Will WD get caught looking forward and passed the Raiders? We'll see.

I know Coach Howard and his staff are working extremely hard this week preparing the fellas. I'm confident in their game plan and I now the boys will be ready. Get it done!

Hang on, what's that sound? Nevermind, it was just Coach Folsom's pencil breaking again!

The Repeat

The stage is set fans...same bat time, same bat channel. The Bulldogs will be heading to exit 18B once again. That must be such a long trip for them. Will the Red Raiders repeat in 2006? Damn skippy!

Paulsboro has returned basically the same team that won last year's Championship game. Both teams are minus their George Johnson's though. Geez that was a popular name last year. Glassboro has Hagerty (no slouch), Akinmoju (say that 3 times really fast) and welcome back to Mr. Carr who was out with what was thought to be a season ending injury. All good players but it's not going to be enough.

The Raiders must be butter cause they're on a roll! I'll talk more about this game as we close in on it. First things first - pluck the birds!

Have ya Herd????

Paulsboro beat Woodbury today, 34-6. That saying started back in the days of Funk, Jiles, Redman and company. I never get tired of saying it. Well, that went much better than I had anticipated. Big Red came ready and played hard. Maybe the best game I've seen them play all season - so far. Everybody got a piece of the ball today.

The most important thing I saw today.....momentum. Next stop - West Deptford. I can't even believe it's time for that game already (guess I should actually get my turkey for Thanksgiving huh). From what I saw today, from what I've seen leading up to today's game and from the first hand accounts I've had regarding the WD....the Eagles are going down. The question isn't even CAN the Raiders do it because that answer is a resounding yes. WILL the boys get it done - only they can answer that. They gotta believe. They have to EXPECT the win.

Will this be the first senior class is Paulsboro's history to never beat the birds? You can't make me believe that. The seniors better not even be anywhere near ok with that. Have some PRIDE. Has any team ever beaten a 4 year Paulsboro class every year - nooooooooo. This can't be their legacy. Is Wd better prepared? Better conditioned? Better coached? More talented? This one is within reach fellas. And to go out, as seniors, in the regular season, on their field (which by the way has been done more than once) and kick their ass would be one of the best stories in Paulsboro football.....of all time. And Paulsboro has some stories.

The Paulsboro train is on the tracks - you better get out the way before you get run over.

Glassboro Beats Penns Grove

Well, half of the table has been set for the December 2nd Championship game. Glassboro defeated Penns grove tonight 14-7. They're all set. Now the Red Raiders need to get it done tomorrow afternoon and the rematch showdown is on. Boy this is exciting stuff. So, until tomorrow. Come on Red!

Round 2

Literally Round 2. Not just with the playoffs but with Woodbury. 27-15 if you'll recall. If memory serves (which is a 50/50 shot with me) Paulsboro had this game well in hand and then badda bing badda boom....Woodbury scored twice in like 2 seconds in the 4th quarter. Once on a turnover? Anyway, my point is Paulsboro controls it's own destiny here. I don't want to take anything away from Woodbury, Lord knows they've given the Raiders a run for their money in the past, but I honestly believe that if Paulsboro plays like they played last Saturday (minus the penalties please) ...Paulsboro will be hosting the Championship game on December 2nd.

I have one game plan for Woodbury.....stop Lancaster! Oooooh, how much thought had to go into that? Seriously, who else has really been involved in the Herd's offense this year? Woodbury has had some premier backs in the past ala Lamar (Lavar?) Sturdevant in recent memory and Paulsboro shut him down so we have the tools.

Offensively, I think the Raiders are ready to beak out. Hodges has shown some growing confidence and I think we may see some of that arm this week. Not necessarily the "bomb" but 7-10 yard completions that will add up (although the "bomb" would be nice).

I've said it before, the Raiders need to keep building momentum as they move forward. They need to find intensity and stay there. These next three games (I'm putting Saturday in the W column) are the best and fiercest competition the fellas will face all season. These seniors especially need to make their mark. Be the stuff of legends.

So, looks like the weather has gone to hell again and I'll be in the VIP section for this one. I'll be sure to put in my order for meals on wheels (private joke...she knows who she is and she should be ashamed of herself). Enjoy the game folks. Three more.

Playoff game vs Barnegat

Are you kidding me? If you didn't see the interception by Big D today, you missed something special. Barnegat had 4th down on Paulsboro's 15 yd line (or darn close). Their QB dropped back, let the pass go and all you could see was every bit of Demitrius Hester's 300lb frame go up in the middle of the line. He swallowed the ball and then the fun began. Meat starts the long haul down the field, moving at a decent clip. But we all knew this was only gonna go on for a little while. Meat's a big boy and let's just say he's not aeronamically designed to run the ball for 85 yds (or five yards for that matter). Big D lost a little speed as he's running along Barnegat's sideline (he's been running for 40 yds now) and the Bengals players start to close in for the kill. Demitrius wasn't having it. Big fella pitched that ball to Gary Grimes and off he raced into the endzone. The Paulsboro crowd, players, coaches, band, cheerleaders and passengers on overhead airplanes went nuts! That stadium rocked. I mean rocked! Barnegat was stunned. Anybody would have been stunned. That play defied the laws of physics. Thank you Meat, that will live on as one of my all time favorites.

Believe it or not, that was just one play. Shavon (Salem) Mears had himself a helluva day too. He rushed for over 200 yds on the afternoon and had 2 touch downs. Gerald (Big Man) Hodges got the job done and also had a TD. No real passing to speak of except at least one completion to (Sugar) Shane Mitchell. Torre Polimeni accounted for the rest of the day's scoring with 4 extra point conversions and 2 field goals. Jeff (Buddha) Hamilton really couldn't get much going today but I attribute that to Barnegat. That was the one thing they were able to do really well, stop the fullback. Bobby Barnes lived in the Bengal's backfield and Jordan (Poppy) Cooper was just showing off. I believe he had at least one fumble recovery. It took the refs an hour and a half to make the call but they finally did. I hate when I start mentioning names because I know I'm forgetting someone. It was truly a team effort today - very nice to see. Some stupid penalties at really bad times (is there ever a good time for a penalty?).

Today was also Senior Day. Congratulations to all the Seniors and their families who were recognised today. I wish you all much continued success in your future.

So, next Saturday the Herd comes back down the Highway to exit 18B. I'm glad we're playing Woodbury (not just because it makes me right about the bracket issue earlier). I'm also realistic, Woodbury is coming for revenge from the regular season. They're not just going to step aside and hand Paulsboro a trip into the Finals. Paulsboro has their week of practice cut out for them and they need to stay focused all week. Now let's all pray for really nice weather for Saturday so I can sit in my regular seat with my friends. Otherwise, someone is going to have to bring me my meals on wheels.

Just FYI - I believe the Paulsboro vs West Deptford JV game wil be played this Monday (11/13) at WD. I don't know if it's right after school or at night (I seem to remember it being at night at least one time before).

Penns Grove vs Schalick Tonight

Well well well, for those of you who weren't on Earth tonight - PG pulled the upset, 35-34 in double (count'em double) overtime. The SJG1 8 seed took out the SJG1 #1 seed and hands down favorite to win it all. OK, everyone else's favorite, not ours.

What this means is less gas money out of our pockets cause we're not going anywhere in the post season. Yes, the WD game is still in WD - that's the regular season.

And no matter what a certain Coach may try to tell you, the NJSIAA does not reshuffle the deck after the 1st round and Paulsboro will not be playing PG in the 2nd round. Yes PG will be the lowest seed and yes Paulsboro will be the highest seed but when we win (and we will win!) we will still have the Maple Shade vs Woodbury winner next week. At home. Here is the link to the NJSIAA bracket, you don't have to take my word for it (a certain someone not only won't take my word for it but refuses to believe it even when I show him in black and white):

http://www.gridironnewjersey.com/playoffs.aspx?year=2006

I have no more info on Barnegat other than now they're probably very optimistic since Penns Grove just proved that anything can happen. The difference though - we're Paulsboro, not Schalick.

Barnegat Game

Here it is folks, first round of the playoffs. Paulsboro will host the Bengals of Barnegat (sounds like a Disney movie) on Saturday, Nov 11th at 1:00pm. Weather is supposed to be nice so all you spectators should be at the game - no excuses!

I know absolutely nothing about Barnegat other than they do like to pass. Ahem Mr.'s Mitchell and Braxton - great opportunity here!

I'm confident that the Raiders will advance to the second round but they can't take this team lightly. They're new to the scene and will want to prove they're worthy. Paulsboro needs to show them why teams fear Paulsboro in the post season and welcome them to the G1 Sectionals.

I also think the Raiders need to build momentum as they move forward. Each game from here on out is going to be more challenging than the last. That sounds pretty obvious but it's the truth. No sitting back and taking it easy. Four quarters every game. I've honestly seen less talented Paulsboro teams in the past that have crushed opponents because that's what they expected to do. They didn't buy into hype, they didn't hang their heads or throw up their hands in defeat or slump their shoulders because things got a little rocky. They stepped up because they were the Paulsboro Red Raiders and that carried a lot of weight. And they didn't just rely on the tradition that had been created before them - they established their own dominance and added to the mystic.

OK, I could go on forever but since we still have a few games, I'll save some. I so want this team to realize just how good they are and to prove to themselves that they belong to the Paulsboro Red Raider family of Champions. Nobody works harder, nobody is better prepared. Prove it.

I unquit!

I just should have stuck with what I knew from the beginning. For those of you who bet that I DID NOT know what I was doing - good for you. You're a bright bunch. The rest of you, learn from this experience! And now for the SJ Group 1 pairings (unofficially of course):

#8 Pennsgrove at #1 Schalick
#7 Barnegat at #2 Paulsboro
#6 Maple Shade at #3 Woodbury
#5 Lindenwold at #4 Glassboro

I think Glassboro is going to have their hands full with Lindenwold but if the top four finish in that order, it will definitely make for some very interesting regular season rematches.

I'll see what I can dig up on Barnegat.

I quit!

Well, here's the next version of unofficial official results. This will all be resolved tomorrow when the actual, official results come out but what the hell - let's try this:

#8 Barnegat at #1 Schalick
#7 Pennsgrove at #2 Paulsboro
#6 Lindenwold at #3 Woodbury
#5 Maple Shade at #4 Glassboro

The polls are now open - who thinks I got it right this time? Tip: I was on the phone earlier this week, finished my call, hung up the phone, thought about a call I needed to make and then couldn't find the phone. I'm not even blonde!

SJ Group 1 Power Points and Match-ups

Ok - here's the unofficial official results:

1. Schalick – 42 points
2. Paulsboro – 40 points
3. Woodbury – 35 points
4. Glassboro – 33 points
5. Lindenwold – 24 points (wins tiebreaker 48-39)
6. Maple Shade – 24 points
7. Barnegat – 23 points (wins tiebreaker 47-33)
8. Penns Grove – 23 points


So the Quarter Finals look like this:

Pennsgrove at Schalick

Barnegat at Paulsboro

Maple Shade at Woodbury (or wherever)

Lindenwold at Glassboro

Hold the Phone

The #7 seed may be Barnegat. That's what I get for posting without checking my info. I should know for sure within the hour...pencils are being sharpened as I type. All I know about Barnegat is that a: they don't have any seniors and b: they do have a lighthouse. Stay tuned.

Happy Birthday Coach Howard!

I didn't get a chance to sing today but I would like to extend my Happy Birthday wishes to Glenn Howard today. It was extremely nice of the team to present him with a win too. Just incase you missed it....Raiders 30 - Hawks 15.

I wasn't actually at the game today (some fan, huh) but thanks to my buddy (and you know who you are) I feel like I saw every play. Apparently the Raiders had an outstanding showing including the Hodges to Silvestro hook-up. I'm sure Coach Schiano was pleased with what he saw.

Scoring, in a nutshell (cause that's all I have) is 2 TD's apiece for Hodges and Mears, a Gary Grimes 41 yd field goal, 3 Polimeni extra points (not sure they were all by Torre though) and a partridge in a pear tree. Sorry, I couldn't resist.

So, Paulsboro is now the 2nd seed in SJ Group 1 which means they will be playing at home this coming Saturday, November 11th, probably at 1:00pm, against the #7 seed - looks like Pennsgrove but I could be wrong (it's happened once before, being wrong I mean). The play-off picture will be clearer tomorrow, even tonight - I'm just waiting for someone else to do the math.

I'll get the skinny on the Grove (God I'm old) and report back. Until then, relax - we're in.

Haddon Township Game Preview

Guess what. Paulsboro has a game this Saturday against Haddon Township. It's at Paulsboro at 1:30pm. Who knew? Just kidding. It's been a busy "wrestling news" week and I've ignored football. My bad.

So, I have the Raiders picked to win this one by 27. Let's see, Hodges will have a rushing TD on a designed QB keeper, Mears will score a rushing TD and ready? Shane Mitchell will have a receiving TD. Yep, I said it. Hodges will put one up and will connect for the score. But wait there's more. Ra"chard Braxton will also make his scoring debut with a pick. I even smell a safety in this one - the D line is due. Young Mr. Polimeni will make good on all the PAT's and even throw in a field goal as a bonus. Twp. will manage to score but the extra point will be botched. Final score: Paulsboro 33 - Haddon Township 6.

Why not? It could happen. Last regular season game before the play-offs begin. Looks like Paulsboro will hold the #2 seed. Haddonfield loss looms large there. Also looks like the fellas could be facing Barnegat in the 1st round - where the hell is Barnegat and what are they doing in the play-offs? (FYI - Barnegat has no seniors) Then........the Woodbury rematch?

That's all the further I'll look ahead right now. Enjoy this weekend's game everyone. Bundle up, stay warm.