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Semi-Pro Team Calls Riverbank Field Home
Football Fanatics
Raiders QB
Quarterback Aaron Ramos of the Modesto Raiders lets fly with a pass in the first quarter of semi-pro football action on Saturday at the Riverbank Sports Complex on Morrill Road. The team, in its 26th year, now calls Riverbank home, hosting teams ranging from Fresno to Reno. Ric McGinnis/The News

The Modesto Raiders, an adult minor league football team, has been calling Riverbank home this season.

The team is part of the West Coast Football Alliance, made up of adult minor league organizations. The Alliance features 10 teams ranging from Fresno to Reno, and players from 18 to 54 years of age. The Alliance is an owner-operated league. The Modesto team, sometimes known as the Central Valley Raiders, is in its 26th year of operation.

A statement from the league indicates, “all owners have had multiple years of experience owning semi-professional teams, as well as experience coaching or playing” at either the high school, collegiate or professional levels.

According to General Manager Mandee Bratcher, the team focuses on being competitive, priding themselves on being positive role models in the community.

She said many of the younger players missed out on opportunities to play in high school or college, and are realizing their dreams by competing at this level.

Action at the Riverbank Sports Complex on Morrill Road this past Saturday saw the team playing in game number six for the current season, and after the weekend’s loss, 28-16, the Modesto Raiders rank in fifth place.

They are scheduled to play here again this Saturday, April 29, facing the Silver State Stallions of Reno, with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m.