The Skinny
Coach Niketa Battle has lead the Mays Raiders to the playoffs on all 3 of his seasons at the helm. As the Raiders prepare for the 2019 season, we asked Coach Battle what the team’s biggest challenge is this year.
“Our Biggest Challenge is to get our offensive lineman Bigger, Faster, and Stronger,” he said.
While the Raiders work on improving the offensive line, they do welcome back some offensive fire power from last season. Tyree Nelson will return to the backfield. Last season, Nelson rushed for 681 yards and 8-TDs.
Meanwhile, Zaire Thornton (WR), Tavarious Carswell (WR) and two-way player JaQuari Wiggles (TE) should provide for a more than capable group of receivers to help stretch the field.
The aforementioned Wiggles doubles as one of the top defensive lineman in region 5-6A. He recorded 9 sacks last season for the Raiders. Linebacker Draveon Scott and safety Omari Drake return as two of the top tacklers from a year ago. Scott recorded 41 solo tackles while Drake netted 42. Durante Jones will add depth in the secondary for Mays.
We asked Coach Battle if there were any games circled on the calendar this season for the Raiders.
He replied, “All games are State Championship Games.”
How will the Raiders define success this season?
“Commitment to complete all of the smaller things to success,” said Coach Battle.
