With the the Raiders set to open their 2024 SCFA at Palomar, there are a few questions that need to be answered. As it goes with JUCO football, a new year means a lot new faces that make up this year's group of players. The Raiders who hope to improve on last year's 3-7 overall record will have to do so in the gruelling National Northern Conference which already has 5 of the 8 teams ranked in the pre-season top 25. Winning a conference title won't be easy but it is possible.

Gone are record breaking QB MacClound Crowton and his co-hort All-purpose Noah Cronquist who combinded for 60% of last season's offense output. They will be replaced by QBs Kaydan Parr (Oak Park HS), Luke Rasmussen (Faith Baptist), and Brody Meyer (Camarillo HS). Their targets will more than likely end up being DJ James (Trinity Christian Academy, FL), Riverside transfer Corbin Hale (Orange HS), and Jacob Stewart (St. Joseph by the Sea, NY). Head Coach Mike Stuart plans on rotating the QBs before he settles on a true starter. Parr is likley to start at Palomar with Meyer coming off the bench. "All three bring somthing to table, so it's stiil up in the air who be the season starter' 

Also gone is last year's OC Gary Crowton which means this year's play calling will be done by Stuart. Stuart plans on calling a more balanced attack than last year's pass happy offense. "Our offensive line is huge this year, so we will use that strenght to run the ball a liitle bit more" Expected to carry the rock this year is So. Francis Lian (Croydon, AUS) and Fr. Dameian Hernandez (Lemoore HS). Both will run behind a line that includes tackles 6'5" 295lbs Elijah Ae (Royal HS) and 6'4" 285lbs Cole McGovern (Moorpark HS), guards 6'5" 295lbs Seth Geer (Westlake HS), 6'4" 295lbs Gerad Gonzalez (El Camino Charter HS) with 6'2" 270lbs Isaiah Hernandez (Chaminade HS) at center who just happens to be the runt of the group. Another weapon Stuart will have is So. TE Ryan Johnson (Camarillo HS). Johnson had 10 catches last year but could be a factor this year.

Defensively, the Raiders will be anchored by 3 Moorpark HS teammates. Defensive lineman Nick Andrade, middle linebacker Tyler Woods and cornerback Quincy Holland. Defensive Coordinator Johnny Stuart will rely on Andrade to lead the defense. Malachi Hannah (Simi Valley HS) and Gil'Laan Jackson (Westlake HS) will be relied on at the linbacker spot. The one area where the Raiders have some experience is in the defensive backfield. Jadon Lemmons (Saugus HS), AJ Scurlock, (No Ogden,FL HS) are the leaders and will be leaned on heavily to lead the young DB group.

Kick-off is set for 5p at Escondido HS. You can check Palomar's website for a live-stream link at: palomarathletics.com