Raiders Ready for Bridgeport

A new school year ushers in a new Football Season, and the Sidney Red Raiders are on a mission to return and advance deep into NSAA post-season play.

Head Coach Chris Koozer starts his fifth year at the helm of a team deep with experience and talent. Senior Eli Ahrens takes over at Quarterback, and will lead a Red Raider's team that's loaded with third-year starters, but lost 17 seniors to graduation. On Friday night at Weymouth Field, Sidney opens its' 2019 season against the visiting Bridgeport Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs travel to Sidney with a new head coach, last year's defensive coordinator Jeremy Reimers, and he brings a new look to the to the offense.

"Bridgeport is changing out their junior quarterback Cole Faessler and moving him to running back, and bringing in a talented true freshman at quarterback. They traditionally have a straight ahead power running game, but we're expecting some option plays that capitalize on Faessler's speed," coach Koozer said.

The Bulldogs have an experienced offensive line that lost only one senor to graduation, and feature a speedy defense that's willing to blitz on nearly every play.

"We're going to have to be on our toes and stay on our assignments with their defense, and be ready to take advantage if they get too aggressive with their blitz packages," said Koozer.

Look for the Raiders to continue to a power-running team, with senior fullback Zak Wieser leading the running game complimented by junior Beau Wamsley and sophomore Nathan Kennedy. Although the offensive line lost some key members to graduation, a group of experienced lineman with good size are stepping up and settling into their roles.

Expect Sidney to continue their solid run-stopping defense, and outstanding backfield coverage anchored by Ahrens at safety. Sidney's defense was especially stingy last season against opponents in lesser classes, and shut out Bridgeport in last year's home opener 40-to-0.