HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: BLUE RAIDERS FACE A DEFENDING STATE CHAMP IN MATCHUP OF UNBEATENS AT WAVERLY (2024-09-20)

Southern Tier Sports Report
The Horseheads Blue Raiders know they face one of their toughest tests of the season as they hit the road to Waverly to take on a team that won a state title a season ago.

“Defending state champs . . . I think that sums it up,” Horseheads coach Kevin Hillman said of Waverly. “Extremely well coached, disciplined and will hit you in the mouth.”

The Blue Raiders know nothing will come easy against an elite defense like the Wolverines have.

“Yeah, there aren’t going to be any easy yards,” Hillman said. “They are aggressive and physical. Trying to keep them a little off-balance and not be one dimensional offensively one way or the other is going to be very important.”

It’s an exciting week for the Blue Raiders to go on the road for the matchup.

“There is definitely some extra juice this week,” Hillman said. “Going on the road in a really tough environment against a defending state champion. It’s really a great opportunity to see how we respond on the road at a really tough place to play.”

The Blue Raiders are off to a 2-0 start this year with wins over Watertown and Norwich.

“Feeling good, always have a little more pep in your step after a win,” Hillman said.

While the Blue Raiders have played well this year, they know they are still trying to improve.

“I think we are still learning a lot in this first half of the season,” Hillman said. “Still seeing what pieces fit where. This week will be a really big test and I think we’ll learn a whole lot about this team.”

The Blue Raiders know they have to play their game this week.

“We just have to do our thing,” Hillman said. “Deal with adversity as it happens in the game and trust in one another. Stay disciplined, know your reads/keys and do your job. Do those things and we’ll put ourselves in a position to be successful.”
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STSR FILE PHOTO

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