The stress and excitement level is elevated this week as several Raiders make last minute tweaks before heading into playoffs, or for some, the state meet.

Tennis– For the first time in school history, the tennis team is state bound. The Raiders defeated Wichita Falls last Friday 10-1 to win the regional finals and qualify for the state tournament this week in College Station. The Raiders, who now have a 33-0 record, will play Lindale at 8 a.m. on Wednesday in the state semi-finals. If they win, they will play again Thursday at 8 a.m. for the 4A team tennis state championship. Currently, only four teams remain in 4A competition: Randall, Lindale, Boerne and Little River Academy.

“I am so proud of our team,” head coach Darby Norman said. “They have had an amazing run and deserve to be playing in the state tournament. They have worked so hard for this. They are making school history by being the first team to qualify for state in team tennis. Hopefully, they have two more great matches in them.”

To follow live scoring of the Raiders final matches, fans can follow this link.

Cross Country– The boys’ and girls’ cross country teams have their eyes on state, but to get there they will have to outrun their opponents in today’s regional meet at Mae Simmons in Lubbock. The girls will run at 9 a.m. and the boys will run at 9:30 a.m. If they advance, they will once again be state bound and run for the 4A championship title Nov. 4-5 in Round Rock.

“The Lady Raiders have worked really hard this season,” head girls’ coach Rebekah James said. “We started in the middle of June and we are ready for the Regional Meet. The Ladies are a really close team and are ready to step on the starting line as a unit. We can’t wait for the gun to go off.”

Band– The marching band is one competition away from making a repeat appearance at state. The band will compete Saturday for area in Abilene where the top three bands will move on to the state competition Nov. 9 at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

Volleyball– The varsity volleyball team remained undefeated with a win over Hereford Saturday and clinched the district championship. Varsity now has a 32-8 overall record and are 13-0 in district. The freshman, junior varsity and varsity volleyball teams will play Perryton at home Tuesday at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. to finish district. This will also be senior night. Playoffs will begin with bi-district on Nov. 1 where the Raiders will play at Frenship. Their opponent and game time is still to be determined.

“We are excited to start our playoff journey,” head coach Haleigh Burns said. “We have been preparing all season for these big moments. Winning this district was a huge accomplishment and gives us the motivation we need to finish our run.”

Football– The varsity team clinched the no. 1 seed spot district and kept the goat trophy at Randall with last Friday’s 31-14 win over the previously undefeated Canyon Eagles. The Raiders, who are now 7-2 in the season and 3-0 in district, showed strength on both sides of the ball. The defense collected four interceptions by the hands of Travon McNary and Mason Gilbert. On offense, Nathan White threw two touchdown passes- one to Ely Sosa in the third quarter and and another to Nathan Baker in the fourth. In addition, Dylan Ray scored two rushing touchdowns and Amel Hadzisabic kicked a 31 yard field goal. District play will conclude this Friday when the Raiders play Hereford in Hereford. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Playoffs will begin the following week with bi-district.