FOOTBALL Harding gets first test against Akron Buchtel

The Raiders outscored their first two opponents, 130-6.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
WARREN -- Akron Buchtel is winless, and that concerns Thom McDaniels.
The Warren Harding High football coach is preparing his team for its biggest test of the young season.
That comes Saturday when the Raiders welcome Buchtel to Mollenkopf Stadium.
Motivated opponent
"I see Buchtel as a wounded animal, a dangerous opponent," said McDaniels, whose team lost in the 2002 state championship game to Cincinnati Elder.
"They outplayed Massillon and lost, so that hurts," he added. "And they lost to a team they probably should not have lost to in North Canton Hoover."
McDaniels admitted he would rather face a Buchtel team that is 2-0, instead of 0-2.
"They're athletic, quick and physical, and they'll hit," McDaniels said.
Harding, meanwhile, has outscored its first two opponents, Cleveland South and Cleveland JFK, 130-6.
"We don't really know how good we might be because we haven't been tested," said McDaniels, who is seeking more production from his veteran starters.
Consistent Raiders
McDaniels singled out numerous players who have performed well after two weeks.
Offensively, they include tackles Rocco Cironi and Dante Campbell; tailback Richard Davis; and wide receiver Thaddeus Walker.
Defensively, Walker (DB) and Matt Mann (DL) have been solid, and the special teams units, which McDaniels labeled as the Raiders' strength before the season, have been outstanding.
"Our first two opponents have allowed us to be on a different timetable than some other teams," McDaniels said. "Other teams have a great opponent in Week 1. We needed to be good when we got to Week 3."
Recent problems have been addressed, the coach said, and the Raiders responded with a good practice Tuesday night.
"I hope I'm seeing an indication that they share our concern and they'll help us fix what's wrong," he said.