Just as a year ago, the North Cross Raiders are preparing for another VISAA DII State Championship. While the goal for the Raiders remains the same, this year brings an opportunity not many programs in the state of Virginia have accomplished: going back-to-back. 'We feel good about bringing these guys together—as a team that's going to fight for each other at the end of the day,' is what North Cross Head Coach Shannon Taylor told the Fantom Sports Network before the season began, and as the Raiders prepare for another state title game, the feeling remains the same.
In a rematch of the regular season opener, which only ended in a 2-point win for the Raiders, North Cross would punch their ticket and showcase their progression as they defeated Nansemond-Suffolk 35-0 in Saturday's VISAA DII Semifinal. This win would send North Cross to their 3rd straight VISAA DII State Championship Game. This time, an oppurtunity at two.
Over two thousand—the amount of yards accumulated both through the air and on the ground in North Cross's Offensive Coordinator Shaine Miles' system. With over 1,000 yards in the air and almost 2,000 yards on the ground, the Raiders have found their rhythm behind the front line, just as Coach Taylor and Miles expected. 'To get us started, it's going to have to be our offensive line and our run game,' was another preseason statement made by Coach Taylor. While Raiders Quarterback Brock Miles is finding plenty of success in the air with a talented wide receiver corps highlighted by sophomores Jaziel Hart and Jase Rhodes, alongside Alex Mack and senior Moritz Mittendorfer, it's the North Cross Offensive Line, featuring standout sophomore Nate Hayes and University of Pittsburgh commit Moritz Schmoranzer, literally paving the way for the dynamic 'two-headed monster' in senior running backs Kam Johnson and Jerel Rhodes.
The excitement doesn't just stop at the Raiders' offense, which has put up 379 total points against their opponents this season. It continues with the Raiders' defense, which has only allowed their opponents to score 88 total points through 10 games. Highlighted by talent on every level, the North Cross defense has continued to shine bright up front and in the secondary this season. Nearing 30 sacks, 20 interceptions, and 10 fumble recoveries, this North Cross defense is on pace towards a defensive triple double to end the season. This success is defined throughout the entire Raiders defense. Defensive line highlighted by two way players in Nate Hayes and Moritz Schmoranzer who have combined for 5.5 sacks and over 100 total tackles. Linebacker corps highlighted by Eason Zhou who has 13.5 sacks, and Sander Frogner who has 115 total tackles. Lockdown secondary highlighted by Xavier Mitchell, Jesiah Hines, and Jaziel Hart who each have 5 interceptions this season. North Cross has the defense, and you know that they say about defense when it comes to winning championships.
The North Cross Raiders have found success on all levels throughout the season and with a 9-2 record, this team is looking to make it to 10 wins and keep the state championship at home 2 years in a row. Every road leads somewhere, but with Raider Pride, history can be made at Willis Field this Saturday.
North Cross will play Blue Ridge, a regular season rematch, in the VISAA D2 State Championship Game this Saturday at 1 PM. North Cross will be at home, with the game taking place at Willis Field.
The Fantom Sports Network will bring you live updates and coverage from North Cross vs Blue Ridge on all of our platforms this weekend.
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