The Caledonia-Mumford Red Raiders are 10-0 for the season and have a rich football tradition
that reaches back to 1925. They won 3 straight state championships from 1993-95, the most in NYS history.
In 1993, they defeated Salamanca 27-0 in the Far West C game,
on their way to the ultimate prize. In 94 and 95, they beat Pine Valley both years in the
Far West Class D match-ups.
In 1997, they beat Gowanda 30-8, but lost in the semi-finals
of the state playoffs. In 2000, they defeated Cleve Hill 14-6, but again lost in the semi-finals.
In 2002, they were knocked out by LeRoy 14-8, but still had 5 shut-outs.
This year, they have crushed the opposition, outscoring them 337 to 25 points.
Two of the TDs scored against them have come at the end of games that were blow-outs. In week 7, they beat Hornell,
which was the #3 Class B team in the state. They have recorded 7 shut-outs in 2003.
The Red Raiders have two 1,000-yard rushers this season - #10 Sr.
Jamie Fitch and #32 Jr. Jeremy Darron. The offense regularly gains 300-500 total
yards per game, while their defense often holds their opponents to less than 100 total yards per game.
The offensive line is anchored by #62 C Rick Riggi, #72 G Chris Paladino, and #77 T Ryan Sherman. The line averages 260
lbs. Even though Cal-Mum is prone to penalties and turnovers, they have a huge
advantage in the takeaway department.
Sr. QB #11 Paul Keeley was injured in their last game, but the
team did not miss a beat with the back-up signal caller. Riggi and Paladino were also hurt for that game.
It's no secret that Portville will have to be successful at running the ball
and stopping the run - the most basic of football priorities. The Panthers cannot turn the ball over and must minimize
the penalties and stupid mistakes...problems that have plagued them all season.
Cal-Mum has also scored 120 points in the first quarter - a sign of the starting team's
superiority, so PCS cannot afford to begin slow on offense or defense. Portville probably has a better aerial attack,
but running the ball well controls the clock and beats down the opponent.
The Red Raiders are not a bunch of pretty city boys. They come from rolling farmlands
and expect to win the Section every year. Their intense, rich football program is much like the one in Salamanca.
This year, Portville is playing at a level that can beat the Salamancas and Cal-Mums.
The Panthers are balanced and potent on offense, possess a huge, talented line, and sport a great defense. PCS players
are athletic, conditioned, confident, and intense. The coaching staff is in THE ZONE, and they prepare players
like no other.
Portville cannot think of themselves as underdogs...or the little guy. They need
to throw out the history book and current records - it's all about this one game. This year's team possesses the talent,
attitude, and system that can get it done in Rochester. They can hit, block, run, and tackle harder than anyone
in the state. They have one of the best passing games in the state as well.
The odds may "seem" stacked against the
Panthers - who have to play on the Red Raider's home turf. Portville has nothing to lose in this game, while Cal-Mum
has everything to lose. It is a perfect time for the Panthers to step up and show people what this town is all about.
"In order for a team to win one football game, it
requires that
every player and coach give 110% of their mind, body,
and spirit to
every single play...every single move.
Each player on every play must command their body
to
carry out each and every task that the coach has
devised for that play.
Each man must give all of his heart, mind, and body
to
every second of the game being played...there is
no alternative.
Everything must be sacrificed...total commitment
to every play...
total commitment to the TEAM as a whole.
Each and every single man must seek to successfully
perform every task assigned to him...Committed To Every Play...this is step one of winning a football game."
Bob Connell (paraphrased)
