It was a big weekend of high school football across Haldimand and Norfolk County, with several playoff spots locked up and only one remaining up for grabs.
The Delhi Raiders continued their perfect season, defeating the Waterford Wolves 63–20 in the annual Pumpkin Bowl at Waterford’s Pumpkin Fest. The Raiders have now clinched a playoff berth with a 5–0 record.
Despite the loss, the Wolves’ offense impressed, scoring 20 points against a Raiders defense that had allowed just nine points in their previous four games. Quarterback Marcus Mudge (#19) was a bright spot for Waterford, showing himself to be one of the top passers in the league. Mudge demonstrated poise in the pocket and excellent field awareness, completing several impressive throws while rolling out of pressure.
For Delhi, Brady Dowling (#12) once again proved to be the driving force behind the Raiders’ offense. Standing tall behind what is arguably the biggest offensive line in the league, Dowling’s passes stretched the field, keeping defenders guessing. Dowling’s connection with his receiving corps shows a rhythm rare at the high school level — one that has powered Delhi’s unbeaten run and dominant point totals all season.
In other games, the Pauline Johnson Thunderbirds crushed the Holy Trinity Titans 50–7, clinching their own playoff spot and eliminating the Titans from contention. The McKinnon Park Blue Devils blanked the Valley Heights Bears 25–0, securing a postseason berth as well.
Meanwhile, the Cayuga Warriors edged the Simcoe Sabres 22–2, but both teams were eliminated from playoff contention due to results elsewhere.
Next week’s key matchup will see Waterford battle Valley Heights for the final playoff spot. Meanwhile, Simcoe Composite and Holy Trinity will meet in a cross-town rivalry game as both schools look to claim their first win of the season.
Written by Jeremy Hall