Head coach: Sean Gray (32-39 in seven years here; 50-63 overall)
Returning starters: 5 offensive; 5 defensive
Key players: QB Adam Sowder (5-10, 175); RB Henry Vassel (5-8, 165); RB A.J. Miller (5-8, 155); WR Colter Long (6-2, 185); OL Bryson Waters (6-2, 290); LB Juan Zepeda (5-8, 160).
Team strengths: The Raiders, according to Gray, have the most team speed in his tenure and a quarterback in Sowder who can spread the field. Vassel and Miller will be used in many ways to take advantage of sub-4.6 speed.
Southeast Whitfield's Henry Vassel turns up field after making a catch during a drill at practice at Southeast Whitfield High School on Thursday, Aug. 3, in Dalton, Ga.Team concerns: A general lack of depth could doom the Raiders if injuries hit, especially on defense. Stopping teams was a problem a year ago with over 300 points given up, and not much beef returns up front.
Breakout candidate: Sowder had a strong summer and will hope to continue that momentum into the season. With 4.5 speed in the 40-yard dash, he's as much a threat with his legs as he is with his arm.
Season outlook: The challenge for Coach Gray and the Raiders lies in the fact the defense might take a few games to find its groove. With only a few more than 40 players in camp, including freshmen, depth is razor thin.
It all boils down to the need for a potentially explosive offense to come out strong and stay that way. With a large line, an experienced quarterback, two of the fastest backs in the area in Vassel and Miller and a 6-foot-2 receiver in Long, the Raiders have the pieces.
"It's a good group with a lot of experience," Gray said of his offense. "The number-one thing about our senior class is they've got speed."
To take advantage of that, Southeast likely will challenge the perimeters of opposing defenses early and often.
"We've got a lot of jets and sweeps," Gray said. "With two backs we can go right or left, and the defense can't key on one person. And with Adam's speed, he can break off big runs if they don't account for him. We can run zone either way, jet either way or iso power. I expect us to be productive against most defenses."