The Randolph Raiders (6-3, 6-1) displayed incredible resilience and determination as they clawed their way to a nail-biting 28-24 victory over the Priceville Bulldogs (4-6, 4-3). The game, hosted by Priceville, saw several lead changes and a dramatic comeback by the Raiders, securing them a first-round home playoff game.

The Bulldogs took a 17-14 lead into the half. Midway through the 3rd quarter, the Bulldogs took a 24-14 lead, but the Raiders are no stranger to adversity. Graham Batey scored two second-half touchdowns to give the Raiders at 28-24 edge. With 3:30 left on the clock, Noah Gaunt intercepted a Bulldog pass deep in Raider territory. With under a minute remaining, and facing a huge 4th and 1 from their own 45-yard line, the Raiders elected to go for it instead of punt. Graham Batey got the call, and burst through the line for a 49-yard run that iced the game for the Raiders.

Coach Lloyd had this to say about the 4th down call. “With the way our offensive line was playing and the way Graham was running the football, it was an easy decision to go for it on that fourth down. We wanted to win the game right then. We felt like we had really established control of the line of scrimmage and we trust our players to go make plays. Graham did what he has done all year for us… make a big play.”

The Raider offense was led by Junior running back Graham Batey who had 193 yards rushing on 14 carries with 3 touchdowns. He also had 2 catches for 46 yards and a score. Junior quarterback William Mitchell completed 10 of 12 passes for 126 and 1 touchdown. Junior Noah Gaunt had 4 catches for 47 yards.

The Raider defense came up with several big stops in the second half. Junior defensive back Graham Batey led the defense with 13 tackles. Senior defensive lineman Eli Isbell contributed 7 tackles and 2 tackles for loss. Junior defensive end Hunter Wiggins had 1 tackle for loss. Junior defensive back Noah Gaunt had 1 interception.

The Raiders are on the road at Fairview on Friday, November 3. Kickoff is set for 7:00pm. The Raiders will be back at home on Friday, November 10 for the first round of the AHSAA State Playoffs.