Shaker Heights Red Raiders Gear Up for a Promising High School Football Season
As the summer heat intensifies, the anticipation for the upcoming high school football season reaches a fever pitch in Shaker Heights. The Red Raiders, led by Coach Alex Nicholson since 2019, with an array of key returning players, new coordinators, and a shift to the Greater Cleveland Conference (GCC), the Red Raiders are poised for an exciting and transformative season.
One of the major strengths of the Shaker Heights team this year is their experience. With 18 returning starters, the Red Raiders boast a roster that is well-acquainted with the rigors and demands of the game. This valuable experience will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for their success on the field.
In a significant move, the Red Raiders bid farewell to the Lake Erie League and have joined the highly competitive Greater Cleveland Conference. This transition opens the door to new challenges and formidable opponents, but the Red Raiders are eager to prove themselves on the biggest stage and against the highest level of competition. Their motto for this season, "Count On Me," epitomizes their belief in relying on each other, rallying together, and performing their individual roles to perfection. Coach Alex Nicholson emphasizes “having faith that the rest of your teammates will fill their roles, leaving you to worry about your job—and only your job—lets you get the most out of what you put into each rep, drill, and lift.”
When it comes to talent, the Red Raiders have several standout players who will be crucial to their success this season. Trey McNutt, a rising star, has earned offers from prestigious college programs across the Big 10 and beyond, including Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, and Notre Dame. McNutt's versatile skills on offense, coupled with his defensive contributions, make him a potent threat on the field. As a 4-star recruit, he possesses the potential to elevate the Red Raiders' game to new heights. McNutt is also a competitor, and he expressed, "I believe we will face a lot of adversity coming into the toughest conference in the state, the GCC. But we are excited to enter the conference and work. We set high standards for ourselves, so this is the biggest stage and level of competition we want."
In his sophomore campaign, McNutt tallied 577 yards from scrimmage with eight touchdowns, along with 40 tackles on defense, and earned a spot on the 1st team all-conference. He is certainly looking to build on last year's success. He added “I've learned so much knowledge over the offseason about football that it's easier to break things down when I'm on the field. As a team, we have built more team chemistry, and we are growing as a program.”
Guiding the offense will be Abdullah Ahmad, entering his second season as the Red Raiders' quarterback. Ahmad is looking for his offseason work to translate on the field amongst the toughest competition. Ahmad states “Individually, I've improved my mechanics and have developed my running ability a ton. I've also enhanced my leadership skills. As a team, we've been going extremely hard in the weight room, and on the field, we know the work we have to put in to compete in our new conference. We're a highly athletic program and have great confidence in the new schematics and roster we have for this upcoming season.”
Another player to watch is Ayden Murray, who was named the LEL Defensive MVP in 2022. With his impressive statistics last season, including 50.5 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles, Murray's defensive prowess will be crucial in stifling opposing offenses and setting the tone for the Red Raiders' defense.
Stephen Henderson, a 6'2" 220 lb outside linebacker committed to Youngstown State University, adds depth and tenacity to the team. With his leadership qualities and commitment to continuous improvement, Henderson sets an example for his teammates, pushing them to strive for excellence in every aspect of the game. Henderson explained “I try to lead by example first and foremost, whether I'm doing drills, in the weight room, or in the classroom. I strive to push not only myself but also my teammates to be the best they can be.”
The Red Raiders' schedule presents a mix of challenges throughout the season. They kick off their 2023 campaign on the road against Willoughby South, a team that finished 4-7 last season. In their first home game, they face off against Brush, a team hungry to redeem themselves after a lackluster 1-9 record in 2022. Their inaugural conference game takes place in week 4 against Euclid, a team seeking improvement after a disappointing 1-9 season.
Towards the latter part of their schedule, the Red Raiders will face some of the most formidable programs in Northeast Ohio. Matchups against Mentor, Medina, and Cleveland Heights will test their mettle, providing a litmus test of their progress and determination. These showdowns against renowned opponents will truly demonstrate the Red Raiders' ability to rise to the occasion.
In preparation for the season, team leaders like Trey McNutt, Stephen Henderson, and Abdullah Ahmad have been diligently working on their skills, building team chemistry, and fostering a sense of camaraderie. They are certainly aware of the challenges that await them but they are committed to the journey ahead. Ahmad stated “The biggest challenge will probably be adjusting to a different conference. We plan to overcome this by being confident in ourselves, trusting the work we put in, keeping a level head, and competing at a high level.” Coach Nicholson closed with “If each player holds up his end of the bargain, there is no need to worry about what might go wrong elsewhere. At the end of the day, you can't be questioning one of your teammates or questioning a coach. You need to rely on each other and rally together to win games.”
Trey looks like he has those 🚀🚀