The Raiders are back, and they are letting everyone know in a big way.
It was decade ago in 2012 when the Raiders started their regular season with 3-0 start. Eventually advancing to the semifinals of the KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl before being defeated by Collins.
In just three games this season, the Raiders offense has scored more points than what took six weeks to accomplish last season. A whopping 136 points scored in just their first three games.
Leading the charge offensively for the Raiders is Sophomore QB Dane Parsley. Parsley is one of four Sophomore QB’s starting for a Warren County school this season.
Parsley’s number are very impressive. As a dual threat QB, Parsley has shown early his ability to get the job done through the air and on the ground utilizing his speed and athleticism.
Though 3 games, Parsley averages 139 yards passing, thrown for 9 touchdowns with just one interception. Parsley also leads the Raiders in rushing averaging just shy of 100 yards per game with 8 rushing touchdowns. Parsley has rushed 17 times for 297 yards averaging 17.4 yards per carry.
Senior RB Quinton Hollis is averaging 71.3 yards per game for Raiders. The senior has also rushed for 3 touchdowns. Freshman running back Chris Taylor is also getting some touches for the Raiders making the most it when he does. Taylor averages 6 yards a carry with 2 touchdowns for the season.
The Raiders offense this season is very balanced with plenty of offensive weapons to choose from. For Parsley, two of his favorite targets through the air is senior Ahmad Alexander and Junior Tray Price. In 3 games, Alexander has 200 yards in receptions with 4 touchdowns and Price has 150 yards in receptions with 3 touchdowns.
The offense for the Raiders is getting a lot of attention as they should, but what about their defense who have only allowed 7 points in 3 games.
In the first 3 games, the physical Raiders defense have forced 6 fumbles.
Defensive Lineman, Junior Josh Collins leads the Raiders in tackles with 30 for the season with 25 of those being solo. Collins along with teammates seniors, Ghee, M. Summers, E. Summers, Elkins, Ghee. Juniors Tarrence, Cowles and sophomore McCool will look to continue their dominance on Raider Defense.
Upcoming for the Raiders will be the Russellville Panthers at Russellville on September 9th.
As the season progresses, the competition and district play will be tougher. With that being said, will this be the team that advances to the KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl? Will this be the team that advances beyond the semifinals? There is plenty of football to be played and only time will tell.
The Raiders have three critical factors in their favor, winning, momentum and confidence.
