Are you looking for a fun way to pitch-in and help support our Barnstable High School Red Raiders football players and cheerleaders???? Here are some important ways you can help out. Many hands make light work!

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Proceeds from concessions are a very important way the Barnstable Quarterback Club generates money to fund expenses important to the Red Raider Football and Cheerleading programs. We are seeking several people to help man our Concessions Stand at our first home game on Friday, September 15th versus Duxbury.

Volunteering for the Snack Bar is FUN and can be EASY with your HELP!!! You can help set-up, work a half a game, a whole game, or be on clean up crew.  The Snack Bar is a great place to watch the game because you will be dry and warm with a live feed of the game on the TV!

To sign up for a shift not to exceed two hours (unless you would like to help multiple shifts), sign up by clicking the link below….

BHS vs. Duxbury – Snack Bar Volunteers

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Football is a demanding game, and for our player’s personal well-being and safety, it is essential that they stay hydrated. Though water if offered freely throughout game play, we want our players to get some “quick nutrition” to help them maintain their energy.

Oranges are a necessary mid-game snack to help our players restore nutrients lost during games.  By taking on this task, you are helping the ENTIRE team.  Please consider this important volunteer opportunity.  You pick up the oranges at Lambert’s in Centerville, slice them into quarters, and arrangements will be made to get them to the games.

To sign up for “Orange Duty”, please click the link below…

ORANGES

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Thank you, Lambert’s Cape Cod Farm Market for your generous donation of countless cases, cases and yet more cases of nutritious oranges for our football players through the years. We appreciate YOU!

BHS Red Raiders Football Captains Left to Right: Ryan Welsh, Lou Cocozza, James Peabody and Joshua von Staats (Photo Credit: Emmé Capra Photography)

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Head Coach Chris Whidden announced this week that seniors Lou Cocozza, James Peabody, Joshua von Staats, and Ryan Welsh will serve as team captains of the 2017 Barnstable High School Red Raiders football team. These young men were voted to be this year’s team leaders through the overwhelming support of their teammates. Together in football several years, our 2017 football captains share distinguished football careers both as Barnstable Red Raiders and Barnstable Silver Bullets. Student leaders off the gridiron as well as on, Captains Lou Cocozza, James Peabody, Joshua von Staats and Ryan Welsh share one singular distinction. Remarkably, but no surprise to those who know them, all four of this year’s team captains are members of the National Honor Society.

Let’s meet this year’s Barnstable High School Red Raiders football captains!

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Captain Lou Cocozza (Emmé Capra Photography)

Due to his outstanding play and demonstrated leadership, last season Captain Lou Cocozza (6’2″, 240 lbs.) had the highly unique and impressive honor of being voted overwhelmingly by his peers to be selected team captain as a junior. He did such a great job, his peers voted him captain once again.

Prior to joining the Red Raiders, Lou was a member of the Barnstable Silver Bullets for six years, excelling at the taxing offensive center position. He also impressed and continues to excel at long snaps. Lou was honored with the 2013 Michael S Zikas Award for the Most Valuable Player as a BSB Midget.  As a member of the 2015 Red Raider football team, Lou first lettered as a sophomore after leading the charge throughout the year as starting center and long snapper.

Captain Lou Cocozza is a VERY strong young man! A 3-year Iron Raider, Lou also achieved the ‘700 Club’ as a Sophomore and both the ‘800 Club’ and ‘900 Club’ as a Junior — and amazingly, the HALF-TON CLUB as a Senior — which combines the weight of the deadlift, bench press, and front squat. Lou is a three-sport athletic scholar. Consistently an Honor Roll student and National Honor Society member, beyond football, Lou earned 4 varsity letters in wrestling to date and was a member of the baseball team for three years.

Athletically, Captain Lou Cocozza had a tremendous Junior year. An Old Colony League All-Star for his outstanding football play at center, Lou also saw action at middle linebacker. Presented with the Heart & Drive Offensive Linemen of the Year Award, the honor was richly deserved. Lou was also presented with the Raymond E. Hostetter Jr. Award for his demonstrated superior level of competitiveness and leadership. Once his football season concluded, Lou’s outstanding wrestling earned him the distinction of Old Colony League Heavyweight Champion. This year Lou will once again lead the Red Raiders offensive line at the center position.

Lou has three older siblings: Kyle, Jr. (BHS 2009), Rachel (BHS 2011) and Christine (BHS 2013). A former Red Raider standout, brother Kyle played collegiate football at Bridgewater State University and is a football coach here with the Red Raiders. Proud parents are Kyle and Elaine Cocozza of Marstons Mills.

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Captain James Peabody (Emmé Capra Photography)

Captain James Peabody (6′, 205 lbs.) is a truly internationally accomplished all-around athletic scholar. Trilingual in English, French, and Spanish, James lived with his mother and sister Olivia for two years in France. While there, James learned French through total immersion, played American football with the only football club in Paris (Les Dragons de Paris), and also learned judo and mixed martial arts. Quelle est sa beauté?

Captain James Peabody’s athletic career began with five years of stellar play for the Barnstable Silver Bullets. He was starting Quarterback as a 7th grade Midget. As a Red Raider, James achieved ‘700 Club’ and the ‘800 Club’ honors, which combines the weight of the deadlift, bench press, and front squat. James lettered as a Junior in football as an offensive lineman (guard). His wrestling accomplishments also quite noteworthy. Lettering as a Junior in his first year of participation, James was awarded the Strength and Honor Award.

Academically, Captain James Peabody is consistently a High Honor student and member of the National Honor Society. This young man holds a 4.0 unweighted GPA, 4.61 weighted. WOW! A talented musician, James plays guitar, bass, and drums. He won second place in the BHS Talent Show last year, accompanying former BHS Football Captain and vocalist, Jack Kennedy, on guitar in a rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”. He was formerly part of a youth jazz ensemble (playing bass) that performed in venues throughout the Cape during the summer.

James has four siblings: Alix, Christina, Nick (BHS 2012), and Olivia (BHS 2014). His brother Nick, formerly a BHS 2012 Red Raider Football Captain and starting Quarterback, plays football for Princeton University.  James’ proud parents are Doug Peabody and Annick Cooper.

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Captain Joshua von Staats (Emmé Capra Photography)

Captain Joshua von Staats (5’7″, 180 lbs) began his football career playing in the Barnstable Silver Bullets program for 7 years where he excelled both offensively at guard and defensively at middle linebacker. As a Barnstable Silver Bullets Midget, Josh was honored for his exhaustive work ethic, tenacity, sportsmanship, and commitment to excellence in football with the 2012 Michael S Zikas Award for the Most Valuable Player and later the coveted 2013 William “Red” Dacey, Jr. Award.

A 2-year Iron Raider, Captain Joshua von Staats also achieved the ‘700 Club’ as a Sophomore and the ‘800 Club’ as a Junior, which combines the weight of the deadlift, bench press, and front squat. Josh lettered in football as a Junior (middle linebacker). Though he considers football and weight training his primary passions year-round, Josh also enjoyed playing Red Raiders lacrosse as a Sophomore and a Junior.

Captain Joshua von Staats, consistently a High Honor or Honor Roll Student, is a member of the National Honor Society. He is highly active in community service work, volunteering for Cape Abilities at Source America, Joint Base Cape Cod. To honor his brother Jeremy’s memory, the Boston Bull Dogs Running Club is another favorite cause Josh actively supports. Josh also squeezes in employment at the Twisted Tree Restaurant.

Josh has four older siblings — Brian (BHS 2004), Stephen (BHS 2005), Kathrine (BHS 2006), and Nicholas (CCT 2009). His sister Katie Kukova is a respected sub-3.5 hour marathon distance runner. Josh’s proud parents are Erich von Staats of Marstons Mills and Beth von Staats of West Yarmouth.

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Captain Ryan Welsh (Emmé Capra Photography)

Captain Ryan Welsh (5’11″/ 170 lbs.) began his notable football career as an eighth grade Midget with the Barnstable Silver Bullets where he excelled offensively as a running back. Ryan’s outstanding football play continued as a Red Raider. He lettered after an outstanding season played as a Junior at slot receiver.

Beyond the game of football, Captain Ryan Welsh is also a fantastic Lacrosse player. Not only did Ryan letter as a Sophomore with the Red Raiders Varsity Lacrosse team, but he lettered again and was named an Old Colony League All-Star Junior year for his stellar play at long-stick defensive midfielder.

Consistently an Honor Roll student, Captain Ryan Welsh is a true athletic scholar. Beyond his athletic prowess, he is a member of both the National Honor Society and the National French Honor Society. Ryan has a strong desire to enter the field of law enforcement. In fact, he is getting an early start on making his goal a reality. Ryan successfully completed the Junior State Police Academy.

Ryan’s brother is former track and cross-country standout Robert, Jr. (BHS 2016). His proud parents are Tara Welsh of West Barnstable and Rob Welsh of Sandwich.

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ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER!!!!!

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Emmé Capra

Senior Emmé Capra is a talented young woman. Not only is she a Captain of the Red Raiders Varsity Cheerleading Squad, she also is a gifted professional photographer. To enjoy Emme’s craftsmanship, visit her Facebook page at Emmé Capra Photography or her website at Emmé Capra Photography.

BHS Red Raiders Cheerleading Captains Let to Right: Tanaya Taylor, Katelynn Tivey, and Emmé Capra (Photo Credit: Gail Tivey)

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Head Varsity Cheerleading Coach Rachel McDougall announced recently that Seniors Emmé Capra and Katelynn Tivey, along with Junior Tanaya Taylor, are named 2017 Barnstable High School Red Raider Varsity Cheerleading Team Captains. Together in cheerleading since childhood, Emmé, Katelynn, and Tanaya were overwhelmingly selected by their coaches and peers to lead this year’s cheerleading squad based on their outstanding leadership, technical skills, school spirit, and academic scholarship.

Let’s now introduce our Red Raider Cheerleading Team Captains!

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Captain Emmé Capra (Photo Credit: Gail Tivey)

Captain Emmé Capra has been a cheerleader since she was born. Being around her older brothers sports teams and her mom being a cheer coach, she couldn’t help but love the sport. When  Emmé was 4, she began on a team at 3CA, Cape Cod Cheer Academy.  Fast forward 14 years and she is a coach for 3 teams and is a member on the Sr. 3 Co-ed team. She was a member of the Barnstable High school Varsity cheer team in her 8th grade, year but did not go back again until her Senior year.

On the sidelines is where most people see captain Emmé Capra. As you see, her second passion is photography. When she was 12, she received her first “real” camera. From that point on, it has been a whirl wind of a path that she knows she wants to go in life. In the fall of 2018, she will be attending the New England School of Photography.

Captain Emmé Capra has a lot of support around her from, not only her friends….5 of whom cheers both on the sidelines of BHS and 3CA, but most of all her family. Older brother Josh cheered all 4 years at BHS and is always her inspiration to strive for more. Oldest brother David resides in upstate New York. Barnstable High graduate Ben attends college at UMASS Amherst studying Bio Chemistry. Younger Brother Liam is currently on the Varsity football team. Add a younger sister, age 4 who “Emmé Caprais her idol” and another 4-year-old boy who thinks she’s pretty cool, and you have an army of Emmé supporters!

“Creative, artistic and original” are words that describe Emmé. She has never looked at something the same as another person would. Her photography screams her personality. The best thing about her now is her hunger to learn more, pushing herself to go outside her comfort-zone.

Parents Dawn Capra, Bill Capra and step mom Connie Capra, grandparents on both sides, and LOTS of aunts and uncles know Emme will be amazing at what ever life will bring and her photos will live on forever. (Editor’s Note: This article was lovingly composed by Dawn Capra.)

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Captain Tanaya Taylor (Emmé Capra Photography)

Due to her outstanding commitment, cheerleading skills, school spirit, and demonstrated leadership, Captain Tanaya Taylor earned the highly unique and impressive honor of being selected cheerleading team captain as a junior.

Truly dedicated to the sport, Captain Tanaya Taylor began her passion for cheerleading in the second grade with the Barnstable Silver Bullets. She has committed her talents and energy to cheerleading as both an athlete and coach ever since. Head coach of the 2016 Silver Bullets Pee Wee Cheerleading Squad and previously Junior Silver Bullets Cheerleading Coach since ninth grade, Tanaya gives freely of her time combining her leadership, teaching, talent, positive mentoring and love for children by contributing countless hours of hard work and community service. In fact, Tanaya is the first teenager in the history of the Barnstable Silver Bullets to lead coach a cheerleading team.

As evidenced by weathering through the entire 2016 season with a torn ACL, there is no challenge that holds back Captain Tanaya Taylor. Beyond cheerleading for the Barnstable High School Red Raiders and her coaching commitments, Tanaya is also a three-year tenured Cape Cod Cheer Academy 3CA competitive cheerleader.

Tanaya’s older brother is BHS Class of 2017 alumni and former Red Raiders football and basketball stand-out Tahir Taylor. Tahir currently attends Virginia State University where he plays football for the Trojans. Tanaya’s proud parents are Hope and Alik Taylor of Hyannis.

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Captain Katelynn Tivey (Emmé Capra Photography)

Captain Katelynn Tivey caught the “cheerleading fever” early by watching her older brother play football with the Barnstable Silver Bullets. Cheering since the third grade, “Tiv”, has crafted her remarkable strength and athletic ability through her demonstrated exhaustive work ethic, leadership skills, and tenacity. Tiv’s enthusiasm and support for fellow cheerleaders and football team players, along with her commitment to excellence, are legendary. Red Raider School Spirit can be defined in three simple words, Captain Katelynn Tivey.

Consistently an Honor Roll student, Katelynn is a busy young woman! Not only is she a 5-year varsity cheerleader for the Red Raiders, she also cheers competitively for Cape Cod Cheer Academy 3CA. Tenured nine years with 3CA, she has traveled extensively cheering for appreciative audiences all over the East Coast. Tiv also squeezes in employment as a cashier at Shaw’s. Committed to helping others, Tiv plans a career in nursing.

Captain Katelynn Tivey has two older siblings, BHS alumni Savannah (2014) and Zachary (2016). Her proud parents are Ron and Gail Tivey of Hyannis.

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The Barnstable High Scool Quarterback Club will be hosting an “All-Out Merchant Card Sales Blitz” on Sunday, August 27th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at a variety of participating Barnstable businesses.

Folks, the sale of our Merchant Cards help to fund college scholarships, essential equipment, activities, the annual awards dinner, senior gifts and lettermen jackets for our boys. This year we are in particular need. Our Varsity and Junior Varsity players are in dire need of new jerseys. We need to fund as much money as early in the year as we can to ensure they are appropriately equipped this year.

Each player is expected to sell a minimum of ten Merchant Cards. Most players go the extra mile and sell as many as they can. To simplify safe opportunities for our players to sell their cards, we have organized our “All-Out Merchant Cards Sales Blitz” early in the season. Let’s get the job done!

Players can sign up for Blitz Sales locations at Scrimmage Day on Saturday, August 26th. Players can also turn in any funds from sales to date on August 26h, as well.

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