Extra Point Preview: Raiders prepare for toughest season yet

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DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN)—The Houston Academy Raiders finished off their 2025 season with an overall record of 6-5 and yet another appearance in the postseason.

Naturally, after experiencing so much success over the past few years, the team and its fans would expect nothing less as they enter the new year.

But instead, the Raiders will be enduring one of their most challenging seasons to date.

"We're up against the toughest thing H.A.'s seen probably in the history of football," head coach Eddie Brundidge said.

For years, Houston Academy has competed in the AHSAA's 3A Region 2 classification, facing pretty evenly matched opponents week in and week out.

But that all changed earlier this year after the AHSAA split private and public schools into their own classifications, and you could argue that Houston Academy got the unluckiest draw of all time.

The Raiders now find themselves competing against powerhouse programs that feature significantly larger rosters, like the former 5A Montgomery Catholic team, the former 6A McGill-Toolen Yellow Jackets, and the St. Michael Cardinals; the same team led by future NFL Hall of Famer Phillip Rivers, and his son Gunner Rivers, the number one player in the state of Alabama.

Despite the obvious uphill battle that awaits this Raider team, Brundidge said his guys are not shying away from the competition.

"One of my players said, 'Coach, it is what it is, let's go play'," Brundidge said. "That's the attitude we've taken. I kind of felt like there would be a fall-off, but the kids have shown up. They've all been working hard, and they're ready to accept the challenge."

This Houston Academy team will be led by a roster filled with experience, as the Raiders return 16 seniors.

Junior quarterback Abe Haskins will be leading the Raiders' offense and should be well protected by an offensive line core led by Miller Rane, Weston Caldwell, and many others.

2026 Houston Academy Raiders Football Schedule
(* denotes region game)

• Aug. 21st - OPEN
• Aug. 28th - Dale County
• Sep. 4th - Glenwood School *
• Sep. 11th - @ Catholic Montgomery *
• Sep. 18th - @ UMS-Wright *
• Sep. 25th - OPEN
• Oct. 2nd - McGill-Toolen *
• Oct. 9th - @ St. Michael's *
• Oct. 16th - @ Faith Academy *
• Oct. 23rd - St. Pauls *
• Oct. 30th - Providence Christian *

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