By Sebastian Wiegand, Sports Editor

After an offseason riddled with drama, the football team is finally getting back on the field to play their first game. They will go on the road to take on Westminster High School on friday at 7 o’clock as they get their first chance to put aside the drama and go play.

After winning their football league for the fourth consecutive year (3 EMAC, 1 SMAC) Rangeview made waves when they announced the firing of longtime football coach, Dave Gonzales. Gonzales had been the football coach for 12 years and boasted a career record of 68-54 with 10 playoff appearances.  However, despite his impressive resume Coach Gonz was fired and Replaced by Justin Hoffman.

Coach Hoffman has no easy task matching a season like the last.  Rangeview had a light-out team that featured 10, 1st team all conference players, 7 2nd team players and the Offensive player of the year, Max Gonzalez.  This season only 2 of those players remain, EJ Reed who was first team defense and second team for offense, and Devante Wheaton Who managed 1st team Defense and 2nd team offense.  

The Raiders will also be hurt by the loss of 19 seniors and sophomore Offensive player of the year Max Gonzales who rushed for over 1200 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Seniors such as Elijah Reed, Devante Wheaton, Lamont Weddle, and George Marpaung will look to help fill that hole.

Despite all of the losses the Raiders expect to enjoy the same success as last year. “Our goals are to create tempo with a winning the first game,” Said coach Hoff, “We have to create an Identity with beating a good team in Overland which is our second game, we also want the league championship and to get past the first round of the playoffs.”

Things aren’t all dark for the team though as the linemen look to be on their top form as they, led by senior George Marpaung, once again won the hog wars for the 8th time in 11 years

Junior AJ Thomas will look to help pad the loss of Max, “My goal is to average 8 yards per carry.” He said.

Senior Elijah reed is poised for a strong senior season after catching 8 touchdowns and accumulating 261 receiving yards to go along with a pair of interceptions.

Coach Hoffman seems to be an early hit with his players, “He’s a great coach,” Said Junior AJ Thomas, “he has high ambitions, high goals and he’s in it for the team and the team’s goals.”  

The Raiders will kick their season off going on the road to face Westminster on friday at 7 o’clock