It was widely thought moving to 6A was going to be a tough struggle for the sports teams. But in fact the Raiders have embraced the challenge.

After the student population surpassed 2,000, it was clear the school would leave 4A and move up a conference bracket. But with UIL moving six-man football to 1A, everyone who would have been 5A moved into the new 6A division. When the new districts were announced last spring, the school left behind their LISD counterparts, who remained together in 25-5A, to join five Round Rock and two Pflugerville schools in 13-6A.

Being in 6A has put varsity football, volleyball, cross country and tennis in an uncomfortable position, but as the season progressed, the teams more than showed they could handle their new environment.

For the first time in school, every fall team advanced to the post season. The varsity football team beat Westwood, McNeil, Cedar Ridge and Stony Point to finish third in district and face Lake Travis in the first round of playoffs. The varsity volleyball team tied for third in district and reached their goal of making the playoffs, a first in school history.

Varsity tennis played well, especially in 6A. The team, which was seeded sixth in the district tournament, wasn’t expected to advance. But they upset two higher seeds in the tournament to finish third and qualify for the area tournament.

The cross country team hit several milestones this season – junior Madie Boreman won the district and region titles and the team brought home three district championships – the varsity girls, varsity boys and junior varsity boys. Both varsity teams competed at regionals and qualified for the state meet, another first in school history.

This fall season, all of the sports teams exceeded the expectations of everyone. All of the competitions allowed them to get one step closer to making history. Now, it’s time to watch the spring teams prove everyone wrong.