Two victories against three defeats were produced by the Scotch Plains-Fanwood (SPF) PAL football teams when the New Jersey Suburban Youth Football League opened the 2023 season on September 10. The day, which began with rain and ended with sunshine at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School’s Tyson Field, also featured the return of the SPF PAL third grade team after a year off.

The SPF RaidersAteam (8th grade) fell in a thrilling contest, 23-20, when Berkeley Heights scored with under four minutes to play. The B team Raiders (7th grade) were defeated by Berkeley Heights, 18-6.

The D team Raiders (4th grade) opened the day with a strong 14-0 showing over Berkeley Heights, while the C team Raiders (6th grade) followed with an impressive 24-0 victory over Berkeley Heights. The E team Raiders fell on the 4th grade level to North Hunterdon, 18-6.

One year after the SPF PAL did not field a third grade team, the Raiders played a competitive game on that F level against Sparta to cap a long day of football on September 10.

The Raiders hit the road this Sunday, September 17, at various sites throughout the league.