Region 6-AAAA // Raider Stadium, 1954 Riverbend Road, Dalton, GA 30721
At the helm
Sean Gray
(22-29 in five years here; 40-53 overall)
Heroes assemble!
The Raiders return 6 off., 3 def. starters.
Super powers
Half of the returning starters on offense are up front. C Braden Smith (5-11, 280) is Southeast’s strongest player and most experienced OL, and RG Jose Chavarria (5-10, 230), a fellow senior, is known for his toughness and trap-blocking skill. Also back is junior LT Ivan Ramirez (6-0, 230), whose quickness is an asset.
Possible kryptonite
The Raiders have learned how costly injuries can be the past two years. And there’s a sharp drop-off after standout Luke Johns on defense, where inexperience is exposed quickly.
Spidey sense tingling
Gray seems to have put the days of the Raiders struggling to get to two wins in a season behind the program, but he’d also like to get beyond hovering around the .500 mark. If the offensive potential pans out, the defense learns quickly enough to be able to pull some weight and the team’s health is good, they could surprise and be among the top four teams in the region.
Here I come to save the day!
Johns (6-5, 245) does everything short of turning green and tearing through his jersey on Friday nights, and whether he’s at DE or MLB, the Georgia Tech commitment will be a hulking headache for the opposing offense. Fellow seniors QB Porter Johnson (6-2, 205) and WR Oscar Gonzalez (6-4, 205) are talented enough that the Raiders might have a pass-happy offense after typically being power runners under Gray.
Up, up and away!
Last year, for the second season in a row, the Raiders had a new starting QB for the second half of the schedule. Johnson made the most of that experience – he threw for nearly 1,000 yards – and took the momentum into an offseason he filled with visits to quarterback camps.
Now he comes back with a new level of confidence in Gray’s eyes, which have also spotted some natural leadership.
“He’s always first in line when we get ready to do drills, has a great attitude, shows up early, stays late,” Gray said. “I’ve seen him coaching other kids when they’re waiting their turn.”
And the guy he replaced behind center is back as a WR with speed that could be used on special teams. Landon Eaton (5-9, 165) endured surgery and a long rehab process after his shoulder injury but should boost the offense if he stays healthy.
Factor in Gonzalez and the potential of fast sophomore RB Henry Vassel (5-8, 155), and Gray feels pretty good about things on that side of the ball.
The defense has some catching up to do, but Johns’ presence alone will cause trouble and set a tone.
“When he gets out there on Friday night, he goes full bore and gets that look in his eye,” Gray said. “He’s going to get somebody.”
Gray is committed to avoiding two-way duty as much as possible to protect health, but he knows that means experience and talent could tip the way of the offense early.
“I think it’s really going to come down to if we can get that defense straightened out,” Gray said. “And I’m the defensive coordinator, so I can fire myself if it doesn’t work out.”
2016 Results
Aug. 20 Coahulla Creek won, 49-0
Aug. 26 Gordon Central won, 42-0
Sep. 1 Murray County lost, 28-7
Sep. 16 Christian Heritage won, 31-14
Sep. 23 LaFayette won, 24-21
Sep. 30 Heritage lost, 47-10
Oct. 7 Pickens lost, 22-14
Oct. 14 Gilmer won, 13-0
Oct. 28 Northwest Whitfield lost, 51-14
Nov. 4 Ridgeland lost, 44-6
5-5, 2-4 Region 6-AAAA
2017 Schedule
(All times 7:30 Eastern)
Aug. 19 at Coahulla Creek
Aug. 25 Gordon Central
Sep. 1 Murray County
Sep. 15 at Christian Heritage
Sep. 22 LaFayette
Sep. 29 at Heritage
Oct. 6 Pickens
Oct. 13 at Gilmer
Oct. 27 Northwest Whitfield
Nov. 3 Ridgeland