The Moorpark Raiders have opened up Griffin Stadium for the 2023 football season. The Raiders previously posted a 6-5 record in the 2022 season and looked to make a statement after a loss at the 2023 Strawberry Bowl.
On Sept. 2, 2023, the Moorpark College football team took on the Palomar Comets in their home and season opener. Because of such a successful 2022 season, the Raiders were moved into a higher division of play, meaning the competition would be intense.
With this being the season’s first game, Raider fans showed up for the boys as they set an attendance record for the 2023 season. 750 fans showed up for the football team, proving how committed the community is to supporting the group.
Athletic Director Matt Crater welcomed Raider fans back into Griffin Stadium and spoke about the energy of the record-breaking crowd.
“Playing in front of these fans and knowing the community is behind them is really nice to see,” Crater said. “The atmosphere is something they want to be a part of and can build off of.”
Palomar opened up the scoring in the first quarter with an 11-yard run from sophomore running back Omarion Ireland. Sophomore kicker Ammanuel Kidanemariam completed the Comets’ first run.
However, the Raiders quickly followed this scoring up with a run of their own, thanks to a two-yard run from sophomore running back Cameron Davis. Kicker Daniel Burke completed his first kick of the season, and the game was now tied 7-7.
The Raiders continued their momentum forward with another scoring run. Sophomore quarterback Macloud Crowton completed a 35-yard throw to sophomore wide receiver Jayden Shakir. Kicker Burke completed another kick, and the Raiders now led 14-7.
The Comets used the second quarter to their benefit and tied up the game 14-14, after using a 90-yard drive to score. Palomar’s Kidanemariam kicked another 25-yard field goal, and the Comets pulled ahead of the Raiders 17-14. However, the Raiders answered with a field goal of their own. Burke completed the 25-yard field goal to tie the game up 17-17.
Moving up in a division has shown a back-and-forth battle between the two teams, with the Raiders hoping to prove themselves. Veteran kicker Burke spoke about this move and how the team felt about it.
“We were excited, fired up, and ready to work this offseason,” Burke said. “I think we’re ready and it’s been great.”
After being tied for a chunk of the third quarter, the Comets took advantage of some messy plays from the Raiders. They made a 34-yard run from freshman quarterback Jaden White. Kidanemariam made another good kick to take the lead over the Raiders 24-17.
With 40 seconds remaining in the third quarter, Burke came in for a 38-yard field goal and brought the Raiders within four points to start the fourth quarter.
It was a back-and-forth battle throughout the fourth quarter. However, the Comets pulled ahead within the game’s last five minutes. Sophomore running back Ireland got the best of the Raider’s defense and completed a 48-yard run. The kick by Kidanemariam was good enough to make the score 31-20.
The Raiders had several attempts to return from the deficit and got the crowd excited as they made one final push. Ultimately, the team could not complete the drives and had Burke come in to attempt a 25-yard field goal, his fifth kick of the night. The final score ended up being 31-23.
Coach Mike Stuart spoke about his team’s first game in a new division and what he is looking to work on moving forward in the season.
“Being in this new conference, we were very curious on how they were going to look because we didn’t have any film,” Stuart said after the game. “Anytime we lose, we just learn a little bit more. We just gave up too many points in a close game, and that’s what we are going to learn from.”
The Raiders will take on the Orange Coast Pirates in Lebard Stadium on Sept. 9, 2023. For the Raider football schedule and more information, click here.
