Rio Americano Football Hopeful for Season Ahead

The varsity football team may be young, according to coaches, but they are looking forward to making strides this season.

"We are very young," said Coach Christian Mahaffey. "But I love 'em. They're working their tails off and having fun and that's what it's all about."

The Raiders open the season on Saturday in a rivalry game at , just up the street on American River Drive.

"It is a rivalry game but I'm preparing for it like I would for any game," said junior starting quarterback Mark Lyons. "You see people on both sides cheering or booing for you but once the game begins you go in game mode."

All-league senior corner and running back Basil Okoroike said he wants to start the season off on a good note.

"Once Jesuit week comes around, everything gets serious," Okoroike said. "Everyone is anxious to play and we want to beat Jesuit."

Senior right guard and defensive tackle Bob Roseberry said he's been thinking about the Marauders for a while.

"I've been looking forward to them since last season," Roseberry said. "It keeps me up at night."

Rio has conference matchups later this season at and .

"I think we're a good unit and coming together nicely," Lyon said. "If we play to our ability, we can hold our own in our league."

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