Railroad City News

Farwell- I can feel confident that we are far enough removed from Bucktail’s scrimmage this past Saturday to talk about it freely. The Bucks looked better than they have the previous seasons. Offense was on target and the defense did well. Bucktail scored multiple touchdowns on some big plays against a Columbia Montour Vo Tech team that will probably be one of their strongest opponents in 2026, barring of course their opener.

Cameron County promises to give Bucktail a rough go in their season opener. The Red Raiders have been one of District 9’s best teams in the past five seasons and multiple playoff trips backs up this fact.

A 6-5 effort a season ago, which included a 54-6 and 35-6 wins over the Bucks has Cameron County the clear favorite. Bucktail went just 1-9, their only win came by way of forfeit.

Key Players

Kamden Fragale is the Red Raiders’ guy. Fragale ran for 836 yards a season ago and scored 10 touchdowns. The Bucks need to stop him, or it could be a long trip back from Emporium.

Cameron County quarterback Gabe Novak is set to return following an early injury that ended his season a year ago. Fragale and Taylon Tucker will be his prime targets. Tucker also played quarterback a season ago at times.

Bucktail’s key players are plenty. Corbin Pentz did well in the scrimmage and the sophomore signal caller will look to follow up his 1,009 passing yards with even more. Junior Teagan Stone and senior Aidan Ditty are his favorite targets.

Pentz has a few new options in 2026. Patrick and Angelo Tarantella looked really good in the CMVT scrimmage. Angelo had a couple long touchdown scores from Pentz. Levi Stevenson ran hard and he could be a deciding factor down the stretch in this one.

The offensive line has been a cause for concern, but that’s always a concern at Bucktail. Head coach Bruce Ransom will more than likely get that figured out before Friday night in Emporium.

Sliding JJ Ditty into the interior offensive line was a positive start. Isaac Graw, Luca DeMarte and Eli Barndt will need to do their part to protect Pentz and give him time to make quality decisions. Thomas Tarantella needs to be perfect on his snaps. The Bucktail center position has had trouble in the past.

Fun Facts

Remember the “Rivalry Trophy” that former Bucktail principal Mike Hall implemented in this rivalry? Chances are you probably don’t because after Cameron County won that helmet with both schools’ logos on it, it disappeared for good. Perhaps it’s in some janitorial closet in Emporium. So much for a traveling trophy rivalry against Bucktail’s closest opponent.

Here’s another tidbit. Since joining the D9 League, the Bucks have never defeated the Red Raiders. Cameron County jumped up to Region 3, so Friday’s game won’t count in Region 4 standings. The Bucks have only defeated Sheffield and Elk County Catholic in regional contests and both of those programs no longer exist.

Game time is set for 7pm in Emporium and if you’re traveling from the Renovo area be sure to get there early. The visiting bleachers at Cameron County are very small and visitor seating is very limited.

Next week Cameron County travels to Coudersport, while Bucktail hosts Otto-Eldred in a Region 4 battle.