The varsity boys football team wrapped their season in early November, finishing 2-8 overall and 1-5 in district.

“It was a good season, it wasn’t about our win or loss record but it was more about our coming together as a family,” senior runningback Marquis Simmons said. “Out of the two years that I’ve been on varsity it’s probably one of the best seasons that I’ve been on, like a brotherhood.”

Despite the tough season, teammates said they gained a lot of the field together.

“Our record didn’t show how far we came as a team which was disappointing, but in the end the friendships I built with those guys is all I care about because everyone’s season eventually comes to an end just some quicker than others,” junior quarterback Michael Forster said. “Overall, I feel like although our time felt short together it’s the family bond we created which I will cherish way beyond just the season itself.”

Injuries plagued the Raiders during the season, including losing outside linebacker, senior Kyle Sanderson, in the season opener.

“The fact that we weren’t winning sucked, but because of the fact I tore my ACL made it even worse because all I could do was sit and watch from the sidelines,” Sanderson said.

Highlights for the season included wins over crosstown rival Leander and district opponent Westwood.

“The Westwood game was a great game because of our teams’ ability to overcome a tough loss the week before at Pflugerville,” senior quarterback Kyler England said. “We all had a really fun time and some good bondage between us as a team.”

Simmons also had a strong individual season, winning three player of the week awards and rushing for more than 1,500 yards, a personal goal.

“This season, we actually came together and did more outside of school and practice and really got to know each other better,” Simmons said. “Of course, it would’ve helped if we got a couple more wins on the season and would have gone to playoffs, but overall the season I’m pretty happy with.”

Head Coach Josh Mann witnessed how the players overcame adversity during the tough season.

“I think it was overall a success, even though we may have not got the amount of wins that we would have liked, but overall they accomplished a lot of things that cannot be seen from the stands,” Mann said.

While several athletes are graduating, Forster is one of the players returning to lead the team.

“I know we will have quite a few younger guys on the team next year so I hope I can be someone that’s influences them to get better by showing them the way. The little things as well like my footwork, decision making, and mental toughness,” Forster said. “I have 100 percent trust in our coaches so if I can be as close to perfect as possible we’ll end up being very successful.”