The Florida Writer      

  Something for the Raider Nation

The Raiders went 10-0 last year and won a district championship. This season, with eight starters back on offense, another unbeaten campaign is a major goal that is not unrealistic.QB Stephen Baker is back for his Junior season after passing for 13 TDs last season. Baker's completion percentage was not great, and he was picked off nine times last season, so there is room to improve. RB Shontrelle Johnson doesn't need to improve, he just needs to duplicate last season where he rushed for nearly 1,400 yards and scored 16 TDs. Other offensive weapons include RB Andre Addison and WRs Damion Dock, Nathan Brown and Tyree Glover. The offensive line is also strong, and if the defense keeps up with the offense (and they must solidify the line and secondary), it could be another special season. -MaxPreps

CRESCENT CITY ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

Charles J Asbury II

Up over the hill and passing the sign. You know the sign. Welcome to Crescent City "Bass Capital of the World" I roll into town about 6:30. It’s Friday night in the Fall and not much is going on as I drive north on US-17. The radio plays "I was born in a small Town" by John Cougar Meloncamp. Mostly everyplace is closed except for one or maybe two gas stations. It hasn’t been dark that long and there is hardly anybody around. So passing through this pleasant one stoplight town is laid back, no stress driving. No road rage here. My windows are down and the breeze smells like a recent rain. The crickets are singing the "Sweet By and By". As I wait at the stoplight, it feels like I’m frozen in time. You can’t help but notice that this town is so quiet and quaint, like something taken from a Norman Rockwell picture....or.....like the movie "Back to the Future". This is old Florida at it’s best with a population of less than 2,000. I’m a witness to the huge oak trees and the hanging Spanish moss that have probably lived over one hundred years or more. If there was more time I would definitely ride down some back streets and check out some old southern style houses, like the one that I was brought up in on Prospect Street. Maybe I would take a ride around Lake Stella where we used to swin on weekends. No I'd probably go sit on the city dock overlooking Lake Crescent and reflect on my life as a child growing up here. I still love this place. If I had more time to explore I would but I don’t. There is so much history in this small city. So I continue to roll on through Mayberry as I notice how it hasn’t changed much. Not since back in 1983 when I joined the United States Air Force.

Anyway, I have places to go and people to see and a team to root for. As I gain speed with wind in my hair traveling downward left I past what used to be Tangerine Cove. Past the city limits and building a little more speed now and passing the KOA on my left. Gosh! This feels good tonight. I’m alive and apparently thousands of others are too. Something huge is going on about half a mile or more up the road. It’s as bright as the noonday sun. And I can feel the electricity in the air. I’m so stoked! My heart is pumping, My dopamine is working overtime. I know what’s ahead. I’ve been there before. Lots of times. I can almost smell the popcorn. And now I see the lights. It's Friday night and the Raiders are playing. YES!!!!

The big bright lights that surround the stadium reveal that's it's already filled halfway to capacity. Plenty of cars and trucks are parked already and more are on the way. The other team's bus is pulled up close to the stadium as well. Families are walking up to the stadium hand in hand. I make a left and look for my favorite parking spot. The spot where I parked every home game last year. The one spot that everybody wants so they can get out quick after a game. It's a long ride for this guy after the game. So it makes sense. Anyway, I’ve waited all year to see the Raiders Football Team play again. I was here every home game last year. Even if it meant driving 50-60 miles round trip with gas going higher and higher every day.

I intend to be at every home game this year as well, because what I saw last year was impressibly the best year that the Crescent City Raiders have ever had. Bar None! 10-0 in the regular season. See, big things do come in small packages.Who would of thought little Crescent City would be so powerful?

September is almost here and Fall is on the way. Soon the leaves will be turning colors and falling to the ground. You'll need a jacket and you'll see your breath. Now, that's football weather! I can almost hear the Raider marching band. They sound just like they did in 1982. The year I graduated from CCHS. I loved the school then and I still do. Once a Raider always a Raider. But it's even better now. Because when I go and watch the Raiders I get to sit with my son. It just doesn’t get any better than that. So the heritage continues.

The football team is getting ready now and soon they will be taking the field. I sure hope they give us something to shout about. Just like last year. I'm looking for another exciting team. Eighty yard runs, long bombs, multiple interceptions, crazy comebacks or a last minute kick to win the game. To tell you the truth I anticipate a dazzling performance each and every Friday night under the lights. GO RAIDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Raiders Win Season Opener 34-7

By: Charles J Asbury II

The Raiders took some time to settle down in their season opener and looked cold to start the game. They scored zero points in the first quarter, had multiple penalties and were beginning to look alot like last week's team.

Then something happened in the second quarter with nine minutes remaining, the Rams bobbled a punt attempt and gave the Raiders great field postion at the 22-yard line. The Raiders took advantage of the great field postion and spent only two plays getting into the end zone. Andre Addison continued to impress fans and scored on a seven yard run. Shane Jacobs then recovered a fumble and once again the Raiders had great field postion inside the Ram's redzone. It took just two plays, finishing with a seven-yard pass from Steven Baker to Nate Brown.

Interlachen showed some skills and went 68 yards on eight plays, finishing the offensive attack with a 4-yard rushing touchdown by D.J. Lawrence.

On Interlachen's next possession Brandon Walker lost the ball and the Raiders recovered with 42 seconds remaining before halftime. Baker hit Addison with a bullet that went for 26-yards and Shontrelle Johnson took it in from five yards out. Johnson finished with 29 yards on eight carries. The Half ended 21-7.

In the third quarter Andre Addison had a punt return for 81-yards and finished with a two-yard touchdown run.

In the fourth quarter Jermeril Williams had a 40-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Once again the defense played well. Like ants on a grasshopper, they attacked any Interlachen player that happened to touch the ball. Coach Wisnoski was very pleased with the effort. "Our guys are very aggresive and flying to the football".

Tyree Glover had 20 tackles, seven solos with four for losses. Bobby Jones had 13 tackles, seven solos with two for losses. Freshman Laron Moore had 10 tackles. The fumbles were recovered by Shane Jacobs, Ricky Green and Cesar Cruz. Jermil Williams had the one interception that went the distance for six points.

Interlachen managed just 139 yards on offense, turning the ball over four times, three fumbles and one interception.

This Friday night the Raiders face Hawthorne in their first home game. The game starts at 7:30 pm. Coach Wisnoski expects the Raiders will have their hands full. "They are explosive and put up 55 points against a good team from Jacksonville in their season opener".

Hawthorne Hornets Sting Raiders 20-13

By: Charles J Asbury II

The Raiders' streak of 11 straight regular season wins came to an end Friday night. The loss at home stung players and fans alike.

Head Coach Al Wisnoski said "We were without six key players tonight and it showed".

The first quarter started similar to the last game including several penalties before the Raiders settled down. The score was indicative of the start because at the end of the first quarter it was 0-0.

The Hornets made it clear early that their strategy was to keep the ball as long as possible. They chewed up 32:31 from the game clock all together. However the Raiders did have a blocked and recovered punt by Bobby Jones with 4:16 to go on the Hornet 30-yard line. The offense made it inside the red zone but couldn't score. That would come back to haunt them later.

Raider fans of course can always count on number five and with just over 10 minutes to go in the second quarter Shontrelle Johnson intercepted a pass at mid field, turned on the jets and raced down the Raider sideline waving good-bye to any hornet that gave chase on his way to the end zone.

On Hawthorne's next possession they fumbled and the Raiders recovered and had great field position again at the 44-yard line with 3:43 left in the half. Unable to produce the score remained 6-0 at halftime.

In the third quarter the Raiders got the ball back first but were unable to get much going. So Hawthorne decided it was time to finally get busy. With some average running and the help of more penalties, the Hornets reached the red zone. With 5:48 left in

the third quarter, their quarterback (Armond Pittman) took it in from six yards out. The extra point was then blocked.

Hawthorne's celebration ended quickly when they made the mistake of kicking to......yes you got it, number five, who returned the kickoff inside the Hornet's five yard line.

After a 73-yard kick off-return and great position inside the Hornet's five yard line. Just two plays later Steven Baker connected with Ricky Green for the score. The extra point was good. And the Raiders were up 13-6.

Early in the fourth quarter after going three and out, the Hornets pulled off a great punt and the Raiders were buried deep inside their own five yard line. With 7:57 remaining, Steven Baker threw a perfect pass that was then snatched away from Robert Jones and taken the opposite way for a touchdown. The extra point was good. The Hornets then led 14 to 13.

What happened from here on out in the last quarter determined who wanted this game most. After the kick off, Crescent City got another chance to move the ball but couldn't. Forced to go for it on fourth down and possibly the biggest play of the game was a desperation pass that fell incomplete. Dropped passes continued to plaque the offense. "Our receivers just aren't catching the ball,"Raider coach Al Wisnoski said.

Now with the Hornets driving from their own 39-yard line, they couldn't convert. Forced to punt with two minutes left, the Raiders were shocked by a fake punt as the punter threw a pass to an unaccounted for Armand Pittman down the sideline who scrambled to the Raider 20-yard line. Then with 1:16 left in the game, after two plays and several more penalties, Pittman scored from 34-yards out. Pittman finished the night with 112-yards on 21 carries. The 2-point conversion was good and the Hornets led 20-13. "We told our kids to be ready for the fake,"Wisnoski said.

Raider fans were on their feet with little over a minute left and one last chance for a miracle. In the end it came down to yet another desperation pass that ended with a Hawthorne interception, with time running out for the Raiders.

Final score Hawthorne 20 and Crescent City 13.

Next week the Raiders have an open date. However, on 26 September at 7:30 pm they face Wildwood at home. This will be their first district game of the season. Coach Wisnoski said, "Wildwood is undefeated, has a new coach and 17 players returning".

Green Wave Drowns Raiders 24-13

By: Charles J Asbury II

A cool night in October is no surprise. Actually it was rather nice. Football weather is finally here. But many Raider fans left the game Friday night wondering where the ice cold Raider hating referees had come from. After enduring 13 penalties, of which several were questionable to say the least. Raider fans left the game feeling ripped off.

The Raiders looked "large and in charge" on their first possession. Andre Addison scored from five yards out with 5:17 in the first quarter, capping a 70 plus yard on only eight plays. The extra point was kicked by Cruz. Addison finished the night with 166 yards on 26 carriers. "Andre had another great game tonight," said Head Coach Al Wisnoski."We have so many injuries right now, and for Andre and others to step up that’s really huge for us."

With 10:28 left in the 2nd Quarter the Raiders recovered a fumble on the Green Wave 37- yard line. Then the yellow hankies fell like confetti on New Year’s Day. Penalties pushed the Raiders back to their own 45-yard line. Forced to punt, the Raiders booted the ball which tumbled out at the Green Wave one yard line. The Raiders defense held tough and the Green Wave was forced to punt. However, punting wasn’t what they had in mind. The Green Wave passed instead to C.J.Walker and when the whistle blew, the Wave was inside the Raider 25-yard line. Three plays later, Kyle Mowen shot through the middle and into the end zone for six more points. The extra point was good as well.

When the running wasn't punishing the Raider's defense, the Green Wave’s passing couldn't be stopped either. Short little passes drove the defense crazy. Green Wave quarterback Patrick Tolland was loving it and finished 10-of-17 for 119 yards.

"We just couldn't stop the pass," said Wisnoski. "We knew what was coming but couldn't defend against it."

On the kick off, Addison returned the ball 60 yards to the 25-yard line. Addison then took the ball inside the ten. With 3:04 left in the first half those cute little yellow hankies came raining down again. Pushed back to the 20-yard line, no time-outs, and less than a minute remaining, Steven Baker hit Robert Jones with an 8-yard pass while time expired. Baker was 5 for 11 on the night with 26 yards total.

The Raiders got the ball back first in the second half. Marching down the field using both the pass and the run, Andre Addison capped off the drive with his second touchdown of the night. The extra point was declined.

Kyle Mowen scored another rushing touchdown for the Green Wave. The score was 14-13 going into the fourth quarter. In the fourth quarter, Mowen ran a 50-yarder in for his third and a final touchdown of the night, finishing up with 110 yards on 14 carries.

The score was 21-13 and the Raiders still had time to tie the game. They needed to score a touchdown and convert a 2-point conversion. They were moving the ball and making big plays. Then on third down, Steven Baker hit Andre Addison on a simple down and out pass that clearly looked to be complete. The sideline judge called it incomplete. Raider fans erupted, voicing their disapproval Father Lopez took over on downs. After moving the ball up field, Eric Roberson was called in to kick a 45-yard field goal that iced the Raiders. The Wave’s undertow proved to tough to overcome this time.

Crescent City suffered its third loss so I had to ask the question everybody wanted to know. "What happened to Shontrelle Johnson and when is he coming back?" "Well he sprained his ankle on Wednesday during practice and we’re just playing it day by day," said Coach Wisnoski."

Then I asked the hardest question of all. "Coach how do you come back from a game like that?"

Coach Wisnoski gracefully replied, "Hopefully we can learn from this and be ready for next week."

Lets Go Raiders!!!

Nothing Beats Winning Homecoming

By: Charles J. Asbury II

The Crescent City Raiders defected the Stanton Prep. Blue Devils Friday night by a score of 13-7 ending a three game losing streak. Before the game, Head Coach Al Wisnoski said, "I told the guys before the game they didn’t want to lose all their home games."

The comment by coach worked! After the kickoff, the Blue Devils went to the air three straight times, trying to utilize the play book of the past three opponents. The first one was swatted to the ground, the second generated minor yardage and the third pass was intercepted by Jerrell Oxendine, one of just three for the Raider defense during the game. The defense did look a little confused early in the game, probably because of Stanton Prep.’s no huddle offense, but quickly settled down. Vicious carnivorous hits lit up the Blue Devil’s offense and set the tone for most of the game. "Coach Wisnoski told us we needed a win, so we really stepped it up in practice this week and made it a point to cut down on our penalties as well," said Bobby Pickens.

Although Stanton Prep.’s kicker was nailing 40-yard plus field goals during pregame warm-ups, he couldn't’t buy one during regulation time, missing several and the first half ended 0-0.

With Shontrelle Johnson back in pads, the Raider backfield was running on three strong cylinders. The J.A.G..show (Johnson, Addison and Green) was once again prime time viewing pleasure for all Raider fans. Johnson finished the night with 65 yards on 9 carriers, Addison, 118 yards on 21 carriers and Ricky Green, 61 yards on 12 carries.

Andre Addison excelled on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. When his running back teammate fumbled the ball, he sacrificed his body to get the ball back. Several fans were impressed when hopped up so quick from the wicked collision and hustled back to the huddle. Every time he rushed the ball, he electrified the fans, rushing for 118 yards on 21 carriers. "In the first half I really wasn’t focused, I had a lot of things on my mind. At halftime coach sat me down and said forget about everything and focus on the game." Addison said.

With just over six minutes left in the third quarter, Steven Baker connected with Robert Jones for a touchdown pass, finishing off a 77-yard drive. The extra point was good making it 7-0 Raiders. "Something we needed to do was work on passing the ball and that’s what we did." Wisnoski said.

Then it was the Blue Devil's turn to show an offensive spark. On the fourth play, their quarterback went deep, smoking the coverage for a 45-yard touchdown bomb. The extra point was converted by Lynch evening the score 7-7.

Finally, after both teams traded possession of the ball several times, the Raiders would have the final say.

With 2:04 remaining in the game and the clock ticking down, Andre Addison and company mesmerized the Blue Devil’s defense with runs of 16, 18 and 4-yard runs. Then with the crowd on their feet and less than 40 seconds left to play, Mr. Addison exploded through the left side of the line, running 13 yards for the go ahead touchdown. Wilcher Stadium erupted with intense volume as players, coaches and fans gave each other high fives, bear hugs and other various modes of celebration. The extra point was no good.

Stanton Prep. tried in desperation to throw three deep passes down field until Jerrell Oxendine put them out of their misery with his second pick of the night. The Raiders had three interceptions on the night, the other coming from Nate Brown. As the seconds counted down, the maroon and gold balloons were let loose as the and the scoreboard read Raiders 13 -Stanton Prep. 7. , winning homecoming and ending the three game skid.

I still can’t hear very well from all the post game celebrating and I sure don’t hear the loud and proud Stanton Prep. Band anymore. Better luck next year . . . not!

"Next week we face a team that is big up front and they also have two great running backs," Bobby Pickens said.

The next Raider game is this Friday night, October 17, at University Christian.

Go Raiders!!!

Raiders Victorious Over Wildcats 32-20

By: Charles J. Asbury II

By ten o’clock on Friday night it was official, the Crescent City Raiders had defeated the Pierson Wildcats 32-20. This win gave the Raiders hope of possibly competing in the district playoffs. All they needed was for Wildwood to beat the Villages to sustain their dream of rebounding from an average season. By 10:00, their dream became a reality. Wildwood narrowly attained the victory 42-35 and the Raiders will now advance to a unique playoff system to break a three-way tie for second place in the district. The team that finishes second will advance to the state tournament on November 21. "We had to come out with intensity and give 100 percent for four quarters to win this game and that is exactly what we did," said Patrick Adams.

The Raider backfield was healthy and by their second possession it didn’t take long for the ground attack to get started. With alternating runs by Andre Addison and Shontrelle Johnson, it kept the Wildcat’s defense honest and allowed the Raiders to occasionally open up and throw the ball as well. This proved wise, allowing a 70-yard drive that set up the first score. Steven Baker executed a perfect bootleg around the left side, keeping the ball and reaching out just inside the left pylon for six points. The extra point was good and the Raiders led 7-0.

What came next was an odd call very early in the game. The Wildcats were shut down offensively deep inside their own backyard and elected to try a fake punt. The hungry Raider defense said, "Not in our house," and afterwards was rewarded with outstanding field position, but offensively could not capitalize. But with ten minutes left in the first half, Shontrelle Johnson dove into the endzone from the one yard line for six more. The extra point was once again converted by Nate Brown, making it 14-0.

After both teams exchanged fumbles, a blocked punt was recovered by Ahkeem Addison. Shortly after the recovery, the Raiders used another weapon, throwing a missile to Tyree Glover for a five-yard touchdown. The extra point was denied leaving the score 20-0 with 5:13 left to play in the first half.

This was beginning to look like a bye week for Crescent City. With the unstoppable ground pounding attack, very few penalties and plenty of points, what could possibly go wrong? The relaxed atmosphere in Wilcher Stadium suddenly ended when the Wildcats actually surprised everyone by throwing a deep pass to Nick Schoppert than ended with a 50-yard race to the endzone. The extra point was no good and the first half ended 20-6.

Crescent City came out of locker room after halftime anxious to seal the deal. Steven Baker immediately lead his team on an 80-yard drive capped by a three yard run by Andre Addison to make it 26-6. Addison finished the night with eight carries for 73 yards.

It took Pierson only six plays before they reached the endzone again. This drive was highlighted by a shocking 40-yard run up the middle by a blazing Jacob Boltz. The touchdown however came by no other than Mr. Schoppert, on a four yard run up the gut. Schoppert finished with 21 carries for 75 yards on the night and was also all over the field playing extremely good defense as well.

Shontrelle Johnson continued to add to his resume with his second touchdown of the night, finishing off a 56-yard drive with 8:33 left in the game.

Once again the Wildcats had plans to ruin the Raiders’ last home game. They had the ball and were driving but that came to an abrupt end when Patrick Adams intercepted the ball with 8:19 left in the game. Including the interception, Adams also had four tackles. "The defense had some bad reads a few times and they made us pay. In addition we had the second string in on some plays and they’re still learning, but we made the plays when we had too," said Adams.

With 3:01 left to play, the Wildcats weren’t through yet and once again put the ball in the hands of Nick Schoppert, who racked up his third touchdown of the night. This proved to be the final statement by both teams and the game ended 32-20.

Our Crescent City Raiders finish up their regular season at Umatilla this coming Friday. Umatilla is 0-9 on the year.

08 Football Schedule

DATE OPPONENT SITE

Aug. 29 Lt.H.Christ A

Sept. 5 Interlachen A

Sept.12 Hawthorne H

Sept.19 Open

Sept.26 Wildwood* H

Oct. 3 Father Lopez A

Oct. 10 Stanton Prep.**H

Oct. 17 Univ. Christ A

Oct. 24 The Villages A

Oct. 31 Trinity Prep.* A

Nov. 7 Pierson* H

Nov. 17 Umatilla A

All games at 7:30

* District games

** Homecoming               
 

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