Madison County Red Raiders

Through a telescope

Region: 8-AAAA, North
Last year's record: 7-4
Last year's region finish: 6-3, tied for second
Coach: Randell Owens (13-8, third season; 30-22 overall)
Stadium: Raider Field
Offense: Spread
Defense: Multiple 8-man front
Key returners: T Nick May (Sr., 6-foot, 305 pounds), DT/OT Brent Russell (Jr., 6-2, 300), OG Tyler Ingram (Sr., 6-1, 260), DB/LB Jarvis Long (Sr., 5-10, 195), FS Hunter Adams (Sr., 5-10, 175), K Jack Orr (Jr., 5-9, 175), Tyler Berryman (Sr., 5-7, 190)
Key losses: WR Josh Mattox, DB/WR Metric Shivers, FB/LB Jamey Rice, LB/TE Garrett Hochstetler
Promising newcomers: CB Claude Johnson (So., 5-8, 180); RB/SS Aldreakis Allen (So., 6-0, 190); RB/LB Drew Carey (Sr., 5-11, 175)
School enrollment: 1,495
Total players: 70
Last playoff appearance: 2005, lost to Rome in the first round
The inside slant:
Quarterback Jarrod Owens will start for the third consecutive season in Randell Owens' spread formation, but it's actually his fourth year working in the system. Jarrod was a backup quarterback when Randell coached at Heritage in 2003.
Smooth sailing: Sept. 15 - Eastside should be a great way for the Raiders to make their home debut and begin play in Region 8-AAAA. The Eagles have not won since Oct. 17, 2004.
Troubled waters: Sept. 22 - Although Dacula must make the trip to Danielsville, the newly arrived Falcons should be a tough foe. Dacula moved down in classification a year after its trip to the Georgia Dome. The Falcons' only losses last season were to Brookwood to start and end the season.
The first mate Tyler Berryman, LB, Sr., 5-7, 190
Berryman must help fill a void at linebacker with the loss of standout Jamey Rice. Randell Owens said Berryman plays much bigger than his frame might indicate.
Bow to stern
Offense Rice will be hard to replace at fullback, but Owens thinks Jarvis Long and Claude Johnson will add depth at the position. Aldreakis Allen, Marcello Lattimer and Drew Carey also will give the Raiders depth at running back.
Defense The Raiders return four starters, but lack experience at linebacker and end. Owens said his biggest concern was at safety and cornerback. The interior line will be strong with Brent Russell.
Special teams Kicker Jack Orr will start for the third season in a row. He attended a kicking camp at Notre Dame this summer.
Intangibles
Jarrod Owens wants to have a big season to improve his chances of playing in college and as a parting gift for his father.
Team heading Northwest
Madison County ended its 22-year postseason absence and should retain some momentum, but the Raiders have a tough slate ahead.
Published in the Athens Banner-Herald on August 27, 2006.