RIVERVIEW: Raiders in the mix for playoff berth

Conference: 2-3A
Coach: Stuart Hill
’12 Record: 6-4 (4-3)

The Raiders faced a tough start to 2-3A play in 2012, facing Bald Knob, Barton, Mayflower and Harding Academy in their first four conference games. Riverview limped out of that brutal stretch 1-3.

The Raiders closed the season with three straight wins (two on the road) to punch a return trip to the playoffs, where they were edged out at Osceola in the first round, 26-20.

Junior Travis Thompson steps in at quarterback, and he’s joined in the backfield by Xavier Barrow. The junior took over the starting running back job late last fall. Senior Weston Moore provides experience and leadership at receiver. Senior Austin Poskey anchors the offensive line at left tackle.

The Raiders return only three starters on defense, including senior all-conference defensive end Rodrigo Thomas and junior linebacker and 2012 leading tackler Bennie Watson.

Schedule:
Sept. 6        at Cedar Ridge
Sept. 13    Hoxie
Sept. 20    Harrisburg
Sept. 27    at Bald Knob
Oct. 4        Barton
Oct. 11        at Mayflower
Oct. 18        at Harding Academy
Oct. 25        Perryville
Nov. 1        Rose Bud
Nov. 8        at Episcopal