Raiders vs. Seminoles = fireworks

The Detroit (Mich) Seminoles and Racine Raiders know each other well. While the teams were both in the Mid-Continental Football League (MCFL) at one point, they never actually met in a league game. Instead, these two foes always met in the United States Football Association (USFA) playoffs. The Raiders are 4-0 in those matchups, dating back to 1997, however, this is a new Seminoles team.

They face each other again this Saturday at historic Horlick Field in Racine, at 7 p.m.

This Seminoles team has a chip on their shoulder. They had always been the team in Detroit, until last year. The Detroit (Mich) Black Ravens ended the Seminoles ownership of Detroit in 2007 by winning the MCFL and beating the Seminoles not once, but twice.

The Seminoles leadership made an announcement during the offseason that shook the minor league football community. The Seminoles went out and stole head coach Ted Serama from the West Michigan Force. Serama, who added the title of Vice President in the move, led the Force to the MCFL and the USA Bowl championships in 2006. Serama compiled a 25-3 record as head coach of the West Michigan Force in 2006 and 2007.

Following the hiring of Serama, the Seminoles made another statement to the minor league football community when they scheduled three preseason games against national championship contending teams, the Pittsburgh Colts, Raiders, and Kane County Eagles.

The Seminoles easily dispatched the Colts on June 21, 2008, 58-8, in a game played in Detroit. The Colts took the opening kickoff 81 yards for a touchdown and that was the last anyone heard of them. Detroit put up 58 unanswered points en route to teh rout. Jason Gibson carried the ball 15 times for 88 yards and three TDs in the first half. Robert Hunt was 16-25 for 210 yards and a TD of his own. Aaron Brothers led the way defensively with four tackles, three tackles for loss, and a sack.

The Raiders look to come out as impressive as they did in the first half last week, putting up 28 points on the Rochester (Minn) Giants. However, the team can't have a letdown at any point like they did in the second half against the Giants.

Shawn Kain looked impressive in his first minor league game and Bryan Jennings, Jr. carried the load in the backfield, rushing for over 130 yards in the first half.

Fans attending Saturday's game will be treated to a special halftime show featuring the reenactment of the raising of the American flag at Iwo Jima. There will also be fireworks at halftime and a performance by the Racine Raiders Dance Team. The National Anthem will be performed by Cheryl McCrary and the coin toss will feature representatives from each of the branches of our military.

The game starts at 7 p.m. with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $4 for kids.