Raider Senior footballers will be honored on Friday at Senior Night in a pregame ceremony as visiting district opponent, the Western Wildcats (4-5, 2-2), attempt to spoil the evening for nationally-ranked Aquinas (8-0, 4-0).
Last week's 38-0 victory against the McArthur Mustangs on Halloween night proved to be a penalty flag -filled contest as the Raiders were penalized for over a 100 yards. Some one should have checked to make sure this was the real officiating crew and not a group of guys dressed up as officials and headed to a Halloween party later in the evening.
In spite of the officials' calls, St. Thomas totaled 456 yards of total offense.
Running back Giovanni Bernard gained over 100 yards for the second straight game as the Raider rushing attack totaled 270 yards on 41 carries.
Ryan Becker was 12-22 in passing for 186 yards while connecting with Bernard and Beau Bucci on touchdown throws.
University of Notre Dame commit, Ben Turk punted only once, but pinned the Mustangs in their own territory with a 55-yard punt. Kicker Mike Palardy was a perfect 5 of 5 on extra points and added a 21-yard field goal in the second quarter.
The Raiders defense was lead by defensive back Brian Robinson and D-lineman Jean Luc-Charles as St. Thomas picked up its second shutout of the season. Through eight games the Aquinas defense has held 7 of their 8 opponents to one touchdown or less.
The Western Wildcats come to Brian Piccolo Stadium riding a three game winning streak. The Wildcat defense has held opponents-Flanagan, Hollywood Hills and Cooper City-scoreless in each of these victories.
The Wildcats have never defeated St. Thomas. The all-time series stands 12-0 in favor of the Raiders.
With the Raiders having secured their 12th straight district title and a trip to the 2008 playoffs, look for St. Thomas to run the ball and the clock against the Wildcats. Aquinas stays undefeated by winning their 18 consecutive game while extending their district win streak to 50 straight victories. The vote goes to Aquinas on Senior night.
Raider Press Box Prediction: Raiders by 27
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