Well let's get it started. Should be a big crowd and a fun night. As excited as Orrville has to be to play on their turf, Triway has to be just as excited to try and spoil the night.

This is going to be a very special night in Red Rider Football history!! I can't wait to see the Riders run out on the new turf for the first time, and what a better way to break in the new turf but with a win over Triway!!

I saw the Titans scrimmage Dalton a few weeks ago, they have a pretty decent squad. I just think our overall team athleticism will be better. The defense should be able to play 1 on 1 with the receivers in their spread offense, and we will be able to stop the run as well....their line isn't as big as Northwest's.

Orrville will be the favorite. But we proved against West Holmes that we can play with the best. And their strength was by far our biggest weakness, and it finally took its toll late. I'm interested to see how we do against a team that isn't going to run it 7 out of every 8 plays. Can we utilize our strength (skilled position players) against a team with just as good of athletes guarding them? Should be a great game and hopefully a big crowd! Go Titans!

thePITman;1255504 wrote:Orrville will be the favorite. But we proved against West Holmes that we can play with the best. And their strength was by far our biggest weakness, and it finally took its toll late. I'm interested to see how we do against a team that isn't going to run it 7 out of every 8 plays. Can we utilize our strength (skilled position players) against a team with just as good of athletes guarding them? Should be a great game and hopefully a big crowd! Go Titans!

What makes you think we won't run it at your defense that just got gashed for 450?? If there is a weakness in your defense and you can't stop the run, why wouldn't we attack that?? I know Davault is not above running the ball every play if you can't stop it!

I like our chances in this one!

thePITman;1255504 wrote:But we proved against West Holmes that we can play with the best.

Really? Honestly?...You really didn't mean that right? I just want to know how 5-5 is "The Best".....

Overall:5-5-0 League:3-4-0 National Rank:4922 State (OH) Rank:296

Riderpower;1255884 wrote:Really? Honestly?...You really didn't mean that right? I just want to know how 5-5 is "The Best".....

He meant this year, since the Knights are projected to win the OCC.

I reached out to Fox8 via Twitter and told them to have SkyFox high-tail it down here on Friday night and here was their response.....

"The Red Riders are officially on the SkyFox flight plan for Friday night. Thanks for the invite."

Awesome.

Also this...AD sent it out to the Booster Club email list.

RedRider1;1255971 wrote:I reached out to Fox8 via Twitter and told them to have SkyFox high-tail it down here on Friday night and here was their response.....

"The Red Riders are officially on the SkyFox flight plan for Friday night. Thanks for the invite."

Awesome.

Also this...AD sent it out to the Booster Club email list.

Nice! And I emailed them and asked them to stop calling us the "Red Raiders"

Riderpower;1255884 wrote:Really? Honestly?...You really didn't mean that right? I just want to know how 5-5 is "The Best".....

Overall:5-5-0 League:3-4-0 National Rank:4922 State (OH) Rank:296

I was surprised it took so long for one of you to jump on that comment. Sadly I was thinking along the same lines, we have proven nothing in football in a long time. However, It is nice you are so high on your team but sometimes you can be too optimistic. Does this quote look familiar "Only way the Riders don't win this game is if they beat themselves. With us being at full strength..."

Did an Orrville fan just use some online ranking service to try to prove a point, from LAST year to boot? I thought they were all about proving it on the field? LoL. Yes, it was in reference to the OCC and DR's projections for this year. I commented somewhere else "If West Holmes was as good as advertised, then I am encouraged"... but there's always the possibility of 1) Them not being as good as advertised, and/or 2) Them having a bad game last week, OR 3) Triway being better than some thoughts. Either way, this Friday both teams will have to strap it up and play the game, regardless of what any predictions, projections, or prognostications may be.

And I could put money down with Old Rider that Orrville does NOT run the ball 88% of the time this Friday night. Just call it a hunch. Haha. But if they do and are successful, then kudos to them.

I look forward to this game, seeing the hoopla of christening the new field, and seeing our kids play on turf for the 2nd time in 3 games. It should be an exciting game. Go Titans!

Yes this Rider fan sure did use MaxPreps rankings from last year! Why not? The people who voted for West Holmes based their conclusions on LAST YEAR....

From the Daily Record....

The Knights return seven starters on offense and 10 on defense"Last Year"-----West Holmes is the favorite because they have a good quarterback coming back..."Last Year"

..
Now we have people such as yourself jumping on the band wagon labeling West Holmes the best....C'mon man!

To make myself clear in my initial post, by "the best" I obviously (well, I thought it was obvious) was referring to WH being projected to win the OCC. I considered putting quotes around "the best" to help convey that point, but didn't think it was necessary. Obviously they haven't won the OCC, but many consider them to be "the best" going into this season. That's why I chose those words. But I understand your point that, until they prove to be the best, we can't really say they ARE the best team; and I agree. Moving on. LoL...

Are there any ceremonies or presentations that will happen this Friday? Also, it's Heartland Field? Is Serpentini's name anywhere, now?

Ok PITT got it now, I'll pick up the flag and wave it off this time...LOL

Believe RedRider1 has all the info covered (as always) concerning ceremonies and presentations happening Friday night posted on the Blog

Some major donors will be mentioned and I heard that Serpentini's will be on the bleacher wrap. Sky dive the game ball in, etc.

Kickoff will be a few minutes after 7...ceremonies will be short & sweet but have to take time to recognize the big donors.

Might see a little something on the scoreboard too prior to kickoff.

im gonna hang out with you guys. The WCAL guys arent friendly.

Gates will open at 5:45.

I'm excited for this game. Triway has their hands full, but anything can happen on any given Friday night. Hopefully we can play a full 4 quarters tomorrow night and give Orrville a run for their money. Go Titans!

I think it will be a competitive game. Both teams will come out fired up....it will be a great night of high school football.

Orrville fans...remember your sunglasses. That sun will be right in your face for the first hour or so.

Can't wait for kickoff!! It should be a great atmosphere for the backyard rivalry!

Kevin Lynch strikes again...picks Triway.

Since Orrville beat West Holmes in week 6 last year, Mr. Lynch has picked Orrville to win only once, and picked us to lose 5 times.

We're 4-0 in the previous 4 times he's picked us to lose. Keep picking against us I guess....but you're Holmes County bias and Orrville hate is showing through.

Good luck Riders. RTR

Serious question: If RTR stands for Red Rider Tradition (according to Coach Davault), why are the letters in that order?

RedRider1;1257657 wrote:I think it will be a competitive game. Both teams will come out fired up....it will be a great night of high school football.

Orrville fans...remember your sunglasses. That sun will be right in your face for the first hour or so.

This is true. I watched the Wooster/Orrville 8th grade game Wednesday evening and the sun was killer for the homestands. Massive shadow on field, too. The field is beautiful, though. Should be incredible after the lights come on.

Usually, home stands face east to avoid that glare. Good advice.