2024 Record – 12-1
Head Coach – Chad Griffin
2024: For the second straight season, the Raiders ran the table during the regular season (10-0) and did it after losing a substantial senior class and interestingly enough scored more points and allowed fewer than in 2023 when they reached the Final Four. Now, the question remains, after losing an even bigger class from that team can he do it again?
Offense: The Offense ran like a well oiled machine in 2024 and scored 480-points (in one fewer game in 2024 than the previous season) and just as before made it look easy. The running game pounded out 4,274-yards and Griffin did it with a senior dominated attack. With four of hi top runners gone, who will run behind the Raiders line? Gage Owens is back as will Jayden Whitaker who between them had a little over 450-yds and five TDs. The good thing is that Griffin can count on is the return of Quarterback Jacob Shoulders, who threw for 1,485-yds ansd 19-TDs. However, seven of his top eight receivers are gone leaving Jake Crump, so Griffin will develop more wideouts. The OL will have some changes with only Daylan Wheeler and Kaleb Fulner back, so the coaches will work on replacements and depth.
Kicking: Ryan Hawkins will be back to handle the placekicking duties as he was 28-of-32 on PATS and didn’t have to attempt a field goal last season.
Defense: Just as impressive as the offense was the defense which allowed fewer points 192, than last season and was tough against the run (1,132-yds) and equally against the pass (1,369), but there will be plenty of new faces with nearly 90% of starting personnel gone. The Defensive Line will lose Landydn Nunn and Jaysean Rice and returns only Jake Crump and Jaysean Rice. The Linebackers will lose five important parts including top tackler Brenann Griffin with only Gage Owen retuning. The defensive backfield will also take a hit with only Jacob Shoulders and Dalton Garmon returning, so Griffin must find starters and second line players.
Summation: What Chad Griffin has done with the Raiders over the past several seasons has been nothing less than amazing. When you think back to the 2020 season when they were 1-4 and it’s hard to imagine the program turning around that fast. Now, the question remains can they do it again? The loss of 18-seniors, much like the 2018 team which had 15 seniors could signal a transition year in 2025, unless they can develop quality starters quickly. Only time will tell.