Raider Scrimmages Feature Teams Ready For Action

SIDNEY--The Sidney Red Raider teams are getting ready to start their 2023 Fall Sports schedule, and the Cross Country team was in full sprint Thursday August 17 at the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds and looking ready to lead the Panhandle teams once again, and the Lady Raider Volleyball and Red Raider Football teams held their scrimmages on Friday August 18 at Sidney High School.

For the Volleyball and Football scrimmages, the games were free to attend but it was asked that attendees bring either Gatorade or other Sports Drinks to enter the games. The Volleyball scrimmage featured many newcomers and sophomores playing for the first part of the scrimmage, and some of the new talent looked very impressive in their high school debuts. Good court management, passing and sets were featured as the girls sharpened up for their season. Head Coach Julie Smith and her players will travel south to Sterling to match up with the Lady Tigers in Sidney's first match on Thursday, August 24.

The football scrimmage was well attended, with a good crowd and the Sidney Cheerleaders rooting on the boys as they make final preparations for their opening game against Holdrege. They travel to face off against the Dusters on Friday, August 25 at 7 p.m. The Red Raiders will feature depth and speed in the backfield, and senior Isak Doty at quarterback will keep opponents occupied with his ability to pass and track-star speed. Look for improvement on the offensive line to open holes for Sidney runners up the middle, and swarming defense focused on attacking the ball carrier. There was a bit of trouble with shotgun snaps and formation penalties to be worked through on offense, and the defense looked sharp, keeping receivers covered and swarming to the ball on runs. Head Coach Ryan Smith hopes a good and fast start to the season against Holdrege will give the Raiders momentum and a winning year.