Maquoketa Football Week 1 Opponent Preview – Anamosa – KMAQ Sports

 MAQUOKETA FOOTBALL WEEK 1 OPPONENT PREVIEW- ANAMOSA RAIDERS

Anamosa comes off one of their best seasons in school history, finishing 9-2, Class 2A District-4 Champions, and 1 game short of a trip to the UNI-Dome, ultimately falling in the State Quarterfinals to known powerhouse, Van Meter. 

This is a rematch of Week 1 last year when the Raiders defeated the Cardinals 43-10 at Goodenow Field.

Anamosa does lose a considerable amount of their team’s playmakers, it was one of the most talented senior classes to ever come out of the town, all sports considered. 

They graduated 2-year starting quarterback, Vince Diers, who accounted for over 2,000 total yards, 30 total TDs, and completed 64% of his passes last year. 

They also lose one of their leading pass-catchers from last season, Nate Fischer, who caught 47 passes for 627 yards and 9 TDs, and also had 5 interceptions on the defensive side (2nd team all-state DB). 

Most notably, Anamosa loses a 2-time state champion wrestler and 1st-team all-state runningback Austin Scranton, who had been an absolute machine for the Raiders, virtually unstoppable at times. Scranton averaged a ridiculous 6.7 yards per carry, putting up over 1700 rushing yards and 20 total TDs. From his linebacker position on defense he had 70 tackles, 15 TFLs, and 5 sacks. He also punted for the Blue Raiders, netting nearly 33 yards per punt. 

Now let’s get to the returners. While no varsity experience at QB might be an issue for the Raiders, with junior Reilly Shaw taking the snaps, they’ll have another safety blanket at running back to help him out. Hudson Scranton, the younger brother of Austin, enters his senior year after averaging 7.4 yards per carry with 9 total TDs last season; he also had 34 tackles from his linebacker spot. 

The Raiders also bring back one of the top receivers in Class 2A, Adam Brophy, a 6’4 senior who had 52 catches for 626 yards and 7 TDs last season; he also had 28 tackles as a defensive back. 

Finally, Anamosa brings back Ayden Antonelli, a menace on the defensive-line, who put up 57 tackles, 20 TFLs, and he’s one of the state’s leading sack returners, as he had 14.5 sacks his junior season. Ayden was named 2nd-team all-state DL.

Maquoketa kicks off their season against the Anamosa Blue Raiders on Friday, August 29th in Maquoketa at Goodenow Field. Kickoff is set for 7:15. 

Listen to live coverage of the game anywhere for free on the KMAQ.com livestream or the KMAQ Radio mobile app. If you’re in the coverage area, you can listen on 95.1FM/1320AM. The Pregame show will begin at 7pm. GO CARDS!