The fall season is just around the corner, and that means many exciting things are on the way: apple picking, Homecoming, pumpkin spice lattes, and of course, football.
After a long summer of hard work and team bonding, the CDH Raiders kicked off their football season with a bang, beating Tartan 34 to 6 two weeks ago. They took a bit of a hit with their loss against Bemidji last Friday, but now they’re back, preparing for an exciting game against Saint Thomas Academy this Friday. The highly anticipated matchup will take place at TCO Stadium on Friday, September 13 at 7 PM.
So far, it’s been a solid season for the team. They worked hard together throughout the summer to be at their absolute best this fall. According to the team’s coach, Steve Walsh ’85, the biggest goal for the Raiders this year is “to become a better team.” More than simply winning games and creating high-level players, Coach Walsh wants to build a team that is cohesive and functions well together. It is especially important that the team sticks together when times are tough. When asked about what will be the Raiders’ greatest challenge this season, Coach Walsh said, “Sticking together when adversity comes, in games or throughout the season. Can we support and pull for each other?” The team has a plan, called their “Raider Recipe” that they will rely on when working to maintain morale and teamwork in the thick of the season. Coach Walsh believes that having a great season will come from a foundation of effective teamwork.
Although it’s still early in the season, there are some key things that Coach Walsh is looking out for in his players. “As a coach, you try to apply what you saw throughout the summer and early fall workouts to now see who your ‘gamers’ are.” Once these players have found their niche and work well together, the Raiders will have a powerful lineup to work with against more challenging teams.
Varsity captain Jeremiah Thom ’25 shares similar views to his coach, especially with regards to maintaining the team. “One of the things that hurt us last year was losing key players to injuries and sickness. A big goal for the team is to stay healthy, do well in the weight room, keep the grades up, and be ready to play.” Thom believes that one of the key ways to ensure that the team functions well together is to ensure that the individual players can function well themselves. When asked about a personal goal of his for the season, Thom responded, “I would say getting to sections and playing well. This year carries a different weight because it is my senior year, and likely my last year of football. Everything is a bit heightened, and I like when the pressure is on.” This year is a special one for the team’s senior players. Even if some will go on to play football in college, it is their last season playing with the team that they’ve grown close with over the past four years. Ultimately, Thom wants to leave the team in a good position: making the most of his senior year and building up younger players at the same time, so that the Raiders can keep building their legacy for years to come.
There are big things in store for the CDH Raiders. By focusing on creating a highly cohesive team, Coach Walsh believes his players will achieve many great wins throughout their season. With highly dedicated players like Jeremiah Thom ’25, the team will be in a great spot with regards to development of their athletes and their record. The combination of the team’s hard work, great coaching, and incredible student support will create an exciting season for the Raiders!