ROCKINGHAM — Friday will not only mark the first regular season game of the 2025 season for the Richmond Raiders, but it will also serve as the first-ever meeting with its Week 1 opponent.
The Raiders and head coach Brad Denson will head eastbound and down to Wilmington to kick off the new campaign against John T. Hoggard High School.
As Richmond enters its 54th season of high school football, it will play its debut against the Vikings following successful runs for both teams in last year’s NCHSAA state playoffs.
The Raiders returned the excitement to Richmond County with a third round playoff appearance for the first time in five years, while Hoggard made it to the fourth round before being eliminated by Cardinal Gibbons High School.
On the heels of the team’s final pre-season scrimmage last Friday in the Dillon Jamboree of Champions, Denson said his biggest takeaway aside from the flashy plays and bruting hits was the Raiders’ ability to make adjustments, something he said will be crucial to any success this season.
“What I liked the most about the scrimmage was that we were able to make adjustments on the fly,” Denson recalled. “West Florence’s defense and offense were moving around a lot trying to cause confusion and it was great to see our guys and staff communicate well.”
Richmond got back to the practice field Monday and has continued preparing for the Vikings and head coach Craig Underwood. With each day since, the anticipation has continued to build.
“The first full day of scouting for each other wasn’t the best, but we will get better each day with that portion of practice,” Denson said. “As we get closer to Friday, and the guys get more comfortable with the game plan, the energy and all will keep getting higher.”
In 2024, the Vikings rolled to a 12-2 overall record and won the former 3A/4A Mideastern Conference with a perfect 7-0 record.
As a No. 3 seed in the former 4A East playoffs, Hoggard defeated Broughton, Leesville Road and Millbrook high schools by an average of 12 points per game in the postseason before being eliminated in a 38-0 blowout loss to Cardinal Gibbons.
Understanding that both his own program and Hoggard are formidable opponents in the new 8A (Hoggard) and 7A (Richmond) classifications, Denson said the Raiders are aware of Hoggard’s success, but aren't letting that impact their approach, preparation and game day mentality.
He added that blocking out the extra noise and zeroing in on the little things that need to be done right on Friday is what’s driving the Raiders.
“We know how good and how successful Hoggard has been over the past few years,” Denson said. “They have the players and they are coached really well. Our confidence level is good and the kids like what we are doing on both sides of the ball.
“Our approach really doesn't change from week to week. We lock in on the game of football and the fundamentals of the game. We are excited and it’s hard not to be. It’s Week 1 of the season.”
A season ago, the Vikings averaged 35 points per game with starting quarterback Matthew Boring under center, who returns this year as a junior. Leading a pass-heavy offense, Boring completed 165-of-245 pass attempts for 2,169 yards and 19 touchdowns last year.
Other offensive returners this season that defensive coordinator Chris Campolieta and the Richmond defense are preparing for are senior running back David Hunter, senior halfback Weston Chalk and junior wide receiver Shamell Canty.
“(Boring) is a returner and can play the position well,” Denson said. “He can spin it and he can run when he needs to. They also have (Hunter) who can run the rock and we have to keep tabs on him as well.
“(Chalk) is their halfback and is also a threat that we must watch. (Canty) is a great athlete and their best wideout. We must limit the big plays and create a turnover or two.”
On the other side of the ball, the Vikings defense limited opponents to 16.6 points per game last season. Richmond, which returns all of its skill position players on offense this year, averaged 29.7 points per game in 2024.
Of the Vikings’ defense, Denson noted “they are very sound in their scheme and coverages.” He pointed to three returning defensive backs — seniors Jaquay Locke and Jude Moulton, and junior Rasean Williams — as being “very athletic guys who understand what they are doing and limit big plays.”
Along the line, senior defensive end Everett Hoerdemann “is a returning starter who is very versatile and a longer defensive end that we must be able to get our hands on.”
The best way to counter the Vikings’ defense, Denson said plainly, is to take care of the football on offense and “get the ball to our go guys.”
Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. Friday at Hoggard High School, located at 4305 Shipyard boulevard in Wilmington.
As the final weekend of the summer approaches before students return to the classroom Monday, Denson is calling on Raider Nation to support the start of what Richmond hopes to be a promising season.
“School hasn't started yet, so head on down to the coast and make a weekend of it,” Denson said. “Leave early enough to grab a bite to eat on the way. Hoggard does things right for a Friday night and that's one of the reasons I wanted to play this game.
“It will be a great atmosphere, a great test for us and a fun Week 1,” he closed. “Hoggard is a fourth-round team and we must play really well. One of the ways that helps us play well is when our fans show up. It’s such a great feeling for both the players and staff to see everyone supporting. Please be there, make the plans now and show up.
