CANFIELD, OH- The South Range Raiders showcased their resilience under pressure in a thrilling victory over the Poland Bulldogs last night. Despite an early 14-0 deficit, the Raiders rallied to secure the win, pushing their record further into the green.

Head coach Dave Rach commended his players for their poise and determination. “I don’t think there was ever any doubt among our guys,” he said. “We had to remain poised and keep plugging away, and that’s exactly what we did.”

The turning point came late in the first quarter when the Raiders scored their first points with just 12 seconds left. What followed was a dominant second and third quarter, though Rach admits there were moments where they could have put the game away earlier if not for a few penalties and turnovers.

Poland’s freshman standout, David Zipolit, provided a formidable challenge, but the Raiders managed to adapt and contain his explosive abilities as the game progressed. Rach acknowledged the toughness Poland brought to the table but felt reassured by his team’s ability to stay focused amidst adversity.

Looking ahead, the Raiders are now gassing up the buses for their first away game of the season against the Girard Indians. Girard is known for its strong, well-coached team, characterized by their ability to cover the field both offensively and defensively. “They pack it in pretty tight and make it hard to run the ball,” Rach noted, emphasizing the need for high-level execution to secure a win.

Beyond football, Coach Rach also shared a glimpse into his off-field life, revealing that his son is playing flag football and that he’ll be dressing up as an elephant for Halloween as part of a middle school staff initiative. “It’s a blast to watch my kids do something they enjoy,” Rach said, showcasing his dedication to family life.

The Raiders are prepared to face Girard with the same tenacity that helped them overcome Poland. As the season winds toward the playoffs, South Range fans can expect more thrilling football and perhaps a few sweet surprises—like Coach Rach’s penchant for Fun Dip.

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