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Sports

Riverview Varsity Football Preview 2011

The Raiders hope for a strong season, culminating with a playoff birth.

In many ways, the 2010 season was a success for the varsity football team, as the squad finished with a 6-4 record. This year, the Raiders look to take the next step—reaching the WPIAL playoffs. 

Last year’s campaign got off to a promising start, as Riverview won its first three contests in convincing fashion. The Raiders then faced stiffer competition, losing four of their final six conference games. 

This time around, the Raiders must repeat their strong start, but find a way to at least split their final six games. Head Coach Todd Massack knows his team plays in a strong conference, but he hopes many of his players who were on the field for the struggles last year can use their experiences to their advantage this time around.

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One of those experienced players is senior quarterback Jacob Milberger, who threw for just under 400 yards and four touchdowns in 2010.

Massack gave glowing reviews of his signal caller.

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“[Milberger] knows the offense. He is smart, big and strong," he said. "I don’t just mean smart in the classroom. He is smart on the field, and he makes the right decisions.“

One of Milberger’s favorite targets this year is likely to be senior receiver Cory Bickert, who also stars for the basketball team. 

Bickert, who was described by his coach as a “tested player,” will likely be moved all around the field in an attempt to get the ball to him and to create mismatches for the opposition. 

Also expected to be significant contributors in the passing game are fellow seniors Greg Wagner and Nick Massack.

It is vital that this trio performs at a high level this season, as the Raiders lost three top playmakers from a season ago—Terrel Craighead, Brandon Seachrist and Brandon Wilhelm accounted for the majority of the team’s offense last season.  

Massack losing them has created a void on the team, but players are working hard to fill it.

“All three of those players were contributors on both sides of the ball, as well as Keeton Hayes," he said. "I know we can’t replace them, but guys will step up, and do their best to fill their shoes.”

On the defensive side of the ball, Riverview will be led by linebacker Sean Provenza, the reigning two-time defensive MVP for the Raiders.  Provenza will be joined by defensive tackle Regis McGill, who hopes to stay healthy after being sidelined by injury for the latter half of last season.  

Coach Massack believes his team’s strength this season will be its work ethic and attitude.

“We are not big in stature, we don’t have 280 pound kids, but we have the toughest kids in the school on the field for us,”  he said.

This attribute, along with some valuable experience gained from last season, could propel Riverview to the next level. When asked what his expectations were for the team this year, Massack responded with a simple answer: “Our goal is to make the playoffs.”

Schedule

Catch the Riverview Raiders in action this season. Here's a look at the schedule:

Sept. 2—7:30 p.m. home game against Wilkinsburg. 

Sept. 9—7:30 p.m. away game against Leechburg Junior/Senior High School.

Sept. 16—7:30 p.m. away game against California Area High School.

Sept. 23—7:30 p.m. away game against North catholic High School.

Oct. 1—Noon home game against Avonworth High School.

Oct. 7—7:30 p.m. homecoming game against Our Lady of Sacred Heart.

Oct. 14—7:30 p.m. away game against Northgate High School.

Oct. 22—Noon home game against Bishop Canevin High School.

Oct. 28—7:30 p.m. away game against Springdale High School.

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