Feature Photo By: Ayden Clayton – Senior Jayvion Swain and Ethan Fray stand on the sideline for a rest during a Raider Football Practice.
The Anvil Game started 10 years ago and next year will mark the first year since the opening of Rangeview High School, that the Rangeview – Gateway rivalry will be put to an end, according to Rangeview coaches. This is among the new changes by CHSAA for the 2018 – 2019 season.
This year, the Raiders’ football team started the season roughly and ended up finishing the season with a record of 3-7, tying the record from last year. This season and last season, the Raiders were in the 5A Mt. Wilson football conference. The conference was granted to the Raiders two years ago, but at the start of next season, the Raiders will experience a change.
The change is called “10”. The conference “10” is grouped with 10 teams which include Denver East, Smoky Hill, Adams City, Far Northeast, Westminster, Boulder, Mountain Range,
Prairie View, and Northglenn. Each of the teams in the conference are teams that are rebuilding and/or have a record below four wins.
The news broke out about the new conference Thursday, December 7th in Aurora at a CHSAA meeting about the new alignments for the 2018-2019 school year.
Junior Ethan Fray, varsity football player, stated, “I heard about it and what I noticed was that all the teams that were in the 10’s conference were teams that didn’t play well this past season.”
Next year, the Raiders will be a young and developing team as most of the team will be underclassmen. This will give first year head coach Alconcel a fresh start on rebuilding the team and building relationships.
Senior Offensive Line Coach, Coach Ram, thinks of the league as “a good move”.
“…I’m excited about it. It gives us a chance to rebuild and get back onto the winning side,” Ram stated. “Hopefully in two years when we see a change in conference we will be one of the teams on the top of the list.”
The team this year struggled with their offense, only putting up small numbers on the board. Some fans and parents who supported the Raiders throughout the rough season will be looking to leave it behind them.
“I believe in the boys next year, I heard different things about their conference,” said senior Aaliyah Smith. “But I believe that the fight that the Raiders have always had will be back soon.”
Find out more information about the Raider’s new conference and other news here at chsaa.com and check out stats from this past season at maxpreps.com.
