MACON, Ga. — The Northeast Raiders just reached the state semifinals for the first time in program history.
On Friday, they'll face Fitzgerald - who boasts a 10-3 record - to see if their historic season will get to continue into the state title game.
“We all said coming in the season, we're gonna make sure class ‘25 leaves a mark, and that's what we're doing now,” strong safety Decorian Brundage said.
It’s safe to say they have already accomplished that goal. They're the first Northeast team ever to advance past the quarterfinal round, and the first Bibb County team to host a semi-final since 1975.
Part of the team’s success, they say, is its focus on building leaders. Northeast is 11-2 on the season. The senior class said it took selflessness to get this far.
“Just play for each other," Brundage said. "Long as we know we playing for the next person beside us - that's the only thing that matters."
Head coach Jeremy Wiggins led the Raiders to this spot. He said the grind started in the summer heat.
“It's just a testament to the hard work they had all season, starting all season, starting in the summertime, going to the camp, going to OTAs, working out every day in the summer … getting to this point, it's very well deserved, and I'm just happy for them,” Wiggins said.
The seniors on the squad have put up some daunting numbers this year.
The high-powered offense is set with quarterback Reginald Glover and running back Nick Woodford at the helm. Woodford's rushed for over 2,000 yards this season, and Glover has over 1,000 yards both through the air and on the ground.
Wiggins said this isn’t the first time these seniors have gotten a taste of postseason success.
“They made it to the quarterfinals, and they kind of fell short, but this class right here kind of worked hard next two years and got back to this point and took advantage of winning, getting past the quarterfinal to the semifinal with a chance to play for a state championship,” Wiggins said.
The game starts at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at Thompson Stadium. The Raiders are asking fans to wear black to participate in their “Black out Bibb” theme.
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