PALMETTO RAIDERS HISTORY
RAIDER NATION…
HATED BY SOME…
LOVED BY MANY…
RESPECTED BY ALL!!!
HOME OF THE
1999 2000 2002 2003
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
The great tradition of the Palmetto Raiders optimist club was founded in 1965, by Mr. Richard M. Brown, Ron Scholer, and group of dedicated friends and family members. This wonderful group of humanitarians wanted to form an optimist program in hopes that it might provide goodwill in the community, build character within the youth in the community, and most of all create an atmosphere of optimism within the community.
In 1972 Palmetto Optimist became one of the original Members of the Greater Miami Pop Warner League alongside teams such as Coral Reef (formally kendall broncos), Tamiami Optimist, K-Land (Kiwanis Club), Homestead Air Force-Base Optimist, South Miami Optimist, Homestead Optimist, and Coral Gables (youth center).
During the mid 70’s our league began to grow with emerging teams such as,Richmond-Perrine Giants, Suniland Sun Devils,and Miami Beach . As we stepped into the 80’s and 90's teams began to "jump on the band wagon". Teams like,, South Kendall (formally the Eagles, Browns, and now Gators), West Kendall Dolphins, Florida-City Razorbacks, Kendall Hammocks Warriorsand the Goulds Rams began to join our league. Some teams have Joined more recently making the Greater Pop Warner League the successful program that you see before you today. Teams Such as theMoore Park Generals, New Birth Saints,Opa-Locka Eagles,Coconut Grove Knight Riders(Formely the Southwest Boys and Girls Club and formely the West Grove Redskins)Helping Hands Bulls(formely the Gwen Cherry Bulls),,Liberty Square Colts,Overtown Rattlers(No longer in Pop Warner),Northwest Boys and Girls Club Falcons(No longer in Pop Warner), and the Liberty City Warriors(No longer in Pop Warner)
The Palmetto Raiders have always taken great pride in upholding a winning tradition throughout the years. We have had many great club members, Coaches, parents, and athletes that have passed through our program. It is because of these people that our program has been so successful. Our program has nurtured such players as: Steve Everrett (Cleveland Browns), Steve Grant (Indianapolis Colts),Alberto White (Oakland Raiders),Alan Campos (Dallas Cowboys), Troy Davis (New Orleans Saints/CFL), Gana Joseph (New Orleans Saints), Lamount Green (fsu/Atlanta Falcons),James Sutton (University of Miami),Courtland Bullard(Ohio State), Don McKnight (Univ. Cincinnati),Darren Davis (CFL),Orselen Mobley(RAMS/ Denver broncos) and Mike Riley (Univ. of Oklahoma and L.A. Rams).
We can write a book about the legacy of the Palmetto Raiders Youth Development Club (formally the Palmetto Raiders Optimist Club) , but time does not allow us to do so. The following is a listing of some the Major Contributors to the success of our program:
Clarence Moss Sr. (Present football Park President, parent, Grandparent and friend), David and Robin Haddix, Larry Crawford, Frank Demount, Jim Riley, Coley Wallace, Tom Fryer, The late Bertram McCray, Nelly McCray, Ty Williams(Intramurals Football Commissioner)Rene Burth(Football Commissioner) Craig Clarit (Former Commissioner) Michelle Clarit(Secretary ) Clarence Moss Jr. (Football Co-Commissioner) Arties Knight(Equipment Director and Head Coach)and Raul Campos (Former Coach and Board Member).
"It takes an entire Village to raise a child", and our Village has raised several of them!
Park location 18500 sw 97 ave. ( Franjo Rd.)/ Bel – Aire Park .
Telephone: (305) 251-2898
Fax: (305) 251-7074
Team Colors: Black, Silver, and White.
Team Mascot (logo): Raider/Shield
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