The lights are back on. The pads are popping. And the Randolph Raiders are ready to write the next chapter in what’s become one of the most consistent football stories in Class 4A.

Led by Head Coach David Lloyd, the Raiders kick off their 2025 campaign on Friday, August 22, with a heavyweight matchup on the road against #4-ranked West Morgan.

“We like to schedule good football teams,” said Coach Lloyd. “We don’t want to be a team that’s searching MaxPreps for teams that have terrible records. We want to be challenged; we want to be pushed. It’s something our program believes in and it’s the only way that we get better.”

And he means it. Just look at the schedule:

#4 West Morgan
#6 Madison Academy
#2 Pisgah (2A)
#10 North Jackson


The Raiders will look a little different on offense this year.

Landon Leo steps in at quarterback, ready to command the huddle and make plays.

Lefebvre Watson and Jonny Billions will handle the backfield duties, giving the Raiders a 1–2 punch that can break games open.

Up front, the tone will be set by a strong trio of leaders in Gibson Smith, Mihai Stroe, and Garrison Ward.

Walker Mitchell leads the receiving corps with trusted targets Will Simpson and Will Perkins providing consistent hands and playmaking ability.

Toughness is non-negotiable on the defensive side, and this year’s squad is bringing it.

Linebackers Bradford Hall, Garison Ward, and Will Perkins will anchor the middle with physicality and instinct.

George Newman returns to lead the defensive line, while Jonny Billions and Walker Mitchell bring experience to the secondary.

Look out for newcomer Augie DiRico, a disruptive linebacker who’s already turning heads in preseason.

This defense plays with attitude, and they’ll need it to hold their own against one of the most brutal schedules in Alabama high school football.

With a deep playoff tradition and a chip on their shoulder, the 2025–2026 Raiders are looking to make the AHSAA State Playoffs for the sixth straight season.

This year’s team features a lot of new faces, but the message from Coach Lloyd is clear: “The standard remains the same.”

Mark your calendars and pack the stands—these are must-watch games this fall:

August 22 @ #4 West Morgan – Season opener

Madison Academy – A top 10 matchup and cross-town showdown

Randolph Home Games – Every Friday night on Garth is special. Show up and be loud.

This team has the talent. They’ve put in the work. Now they need the crowd, the cheers, and the energy to fuel them.