A new chapter begins for Randolph Boys Soccer as the program heads into the 2026 season with unfinished business.

After graduating 10 seniors, the largest senior class in program history, the Raiders enter a true rebuilding year. While experience will be limited, belief, leadership, and opportunity are everywhere. A talented and motivated group of returners will be joined by a wave of newcomers eager to establish themselves and push the program to new heights.

Leading the way is senior captain Brent Amador-Mateos, the team’s lone returning senior starter. His experience, composure, and leadership will be crucial as Randolph navigates a challenging schedule and brings along a young roster.

The Raiders also return three junior starters who played major roles last season. Reid Werdehoff, Josh Valtos (Captain), and Carter Freeman will all be counted on to help lead the Raiders this season. Adding to the leadership group is Avi Arora, now a sophomore, who earned significant minutes as a freshman and was named a captain for the upcoming season. Arora’s maturity and competitiveness exemplify the culture this team is building.

Last season ended in heartbreak, a 4–3 third-round playoff loss to Southside, the eventual 6A state champions. That game served as both a gut punch and a reminder of how close the Raiders are to breaking through.

The road will not be easy. Randolph once again faces a demanding schedule, including matches against perennial 7A powerhouses Bob Jones, Huntsville High, and Vestavia Hills, tests that will challenge this young squad early and often.

In area play, the Raiders are determined to rebound after falling short of their goal last season. Buckhorn and Hazel Green headline a competitive area, but Randolph has made its intentions clear: win the area and secure a strong postseason path.

The ultimate goal remains unchanged, reach Final Four weekend at John Hunt Park in May, something the program has yet to accomplish in 6A. The Raiders open their season on the road at Scottsboro on Monday, February 9.