The 11U Abington Raiders finished out their 2024 campaign with a 12-1 record and a second consecutive national semifinal appearance at the Pop Warner Super Bowl in Disney World last month.

The Raiders won their first game 33-0 against the Creekside Warriors of San Jose, California before falling 33-19 to the Fort Myers Fire Cats in the semifinal.

“The Warriors were a fantastic team, we just played really well. Then we ran into a big, physical team,” defensive coordinator Matt Moyer said. “We were tied going into the third quarter and couldn’t hang on.”

Though a national championship remains elusive, the coaching staff believes the 11U Raiders, who were joined by the 13U Raiders in Disney World, represented the Mid-Atlantic region well.

“We’re back-to-back national semifinalists. Everyone was really grateful to get down there and continue playing football,” Moyer said, noting that a range of donations from the local community made the trip possible.

“We had some huge donations from a few Glenside residents and business owners. Without them we could not have made the trip,” Moyer said. “The impact they had on the kids was tremendous. They made lifelong memories and played some great football.”

In particular, Moyer highlighted Mike Lahiff of Zero Eyes, Kevin and Crissey Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald’s Tire & Auto Service, and Keegan & Cunnius Plumbing & Mechanical for their donations.

“We had a lot of people donate. Those three contributed significantly,” Moyer said.

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