Preseason Review: Featuring Taft Raiders

Coming off a 6-5 season and a 5-3 district run, the Taft Raiders got off to a hot start in the 2024-2025 season. The team was led by Head Coach Ricky Stade, Offensive Coordinator Daryl Garcia, and Defensive Coordinator Donny Flores who has since taken the DC job at Del Valle (Austin, TX). Taft's offense ran at a high tempo, powered by a massive offensive line and explosive wide receivers who could create plays in space. On the defensive side, the Raiders played with relentless energy and had playmakers all over the field. They punched their ticket to the playoffs but came up short in a first round battle with Johnson. With 2025 on the horizon, the Raiders are looking to return to the field with a new edge. Get to know some of the ballers ready to make it happen.    Isiah Delgado is the type of athlete every offense needs. With the ability to line up anywhere from running back to slot receiver to even quarterback in wildcat looks Delgado brings dynamic playmaking and high football instincts to the field. He's a natural with the ball in his hands, showing excellent vision, sharp cuts, and the ability to create explosive plays in open space. His versatility forces defenses to adjust every snap, and he thrives in both structured schemes and broken plays. Whether it's moving the chains or breaking off big gains, Isiah is a do-it-all weapon who can be a game-changer at multiple spots on the offensive side of the ball.     [player_tooltip player_id='1649359' first='Tucker' last='Vogel'] is a dynamic dual-threat quarterback who can beat defenses with both his arm and legs. He has the arm strength to make every throw on the field deep shots, tight windows, and touch passes over the middle all with confidence and control. What sets him apart is his ability to extend plays outside the pocket and turn broken situations into explosive gains. He's a natural leader with a calm presence under pressure, and his mobility adds a dangerous layer to Taft's already fast paced offense.     David is a burner on the outside with legit track speed that translates directly to the football field. He's a vertical threat every time he lines up, forcing defensive backs to respect his ability to take the top off a defense. His acceleration off the line is explosive, and once he gets into open space, few can catch him. Beyond just speed, David shows improved route running and the ability to track the deep ball with precision. He's dangerous on screens, jet sweeps, and kick returns any time the ball touches his hands, it's a potential touchdown. His speed alone is a game changer, but paired with growing polish as a receiver, David is a serious weapon in any offense.     Cam is a really young wide receiver with a lot of potential to grow into a key playmaker. Though still developing, he already shows solid hands and the ability to run routes with good timing. His natural quickness and willingness to learn set the foundation for future success. With continued coaching and experience, Cam has the tools to become a reliable and dynamic target in the Raiders' offense for years to come.     Jonah is a savvy slot receiver who excels at finding soft spots in the defense and creating separation with quick, precise route running. While he may not have the blazing speed of some outside threats, his agility and quickness allow him to gain yards after the catch consistently. Jonah has reliable hands and a knack for making tough catches in traffic. His ability to read defenses and adjust routes on the fly makes him a reliable target, especially on quick-hitting plays and screens. As a consistent chain-mover, Jonah is a key piece in keeping the offense balanced and efficient.     Byron is a talented wide receiver who missed last season due to injury but is expected to come back strong and ready to make an impact. Before the setback, Byron showed great size, solid hands, and the ability to make contested catches downfield. His route running and physicality in tight coverage make him a reliable target when healthy. With rehab behind him, Byron's return will add a valuable weapon to the offense, bringing experience and playmaking ability that can help elevate the team's passing game.     Cody is a physical safety who stands out for his tackling ability and aggressive style of play. He reads plays quickly and isn't afraid to come downhill and deliver punishing hits to ball carriers. Cody's sound technique and relentless effort make him a reliable last line of defense, often stopping runs and limiting yards after contact. His physicality sets the tone for the secondary and energizes the defense. As he continues to develop his coverage skills, Cody has the potential to be a complete safety who can both lock down receivers and lay the hammer in run support.     Jacob is a technically sound offensive lineman who brings strength and consistency to the trenches. He shows solid footwork and hand placement, enabling him to sustain blocks both in the run game and in pass protection. Jacob's work ethic and toughness make him a dependable presence up front, able to handle power rushers and create running lanes for his backs. While he continues to develop his agility, his physicality and understanding of blocking schemes make him a key anchor on the offensive line.     Preston brings a similar physical presence and toughness as his twin brother Jacob, making the duo a powerful force on the offensive line. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and a relentless motor, consistently winning battles at the point of attack. Preston shows strong hand technique and quick feet, helping him mirror defenders and open up running lanes. The chemistry he shares with Jacob translates into cohesive blocking schemes and solid communication on the line. Together, the twins form a tough, reliable tandem that anchors the Raiders' offensive front.     Elijah is a linebacker with the instincts and physicality to make serious noise this season. He plays with a relentless motor, flying to the ball and delivering hard, decisive tackles. Elijah's ability to read plays quickly and diagnose runs versus passes puts him in the right spot consistently. He's a presence in both run support and pass coverage, showing versatility that can disrupt offenses all over the field. With continued growth, Elijah is poised to be a defensive leader and a key difference maker for the Raiders this year.     Boot may be the smallest player on the team, but he more than makes up for it with his heart, hustle, and fearless play. His size doesn't slow him down; in fact, it fuels his motor to compete against bigger opponents every snap. Boot's quickness and tenacity allow him to find the ball and make plays, showing toughness well beyond his stature. Coaches and teammates rely on him for energy and effort, and his fearless attitude makes him an invaluable part of the team's culture.     Ben is a tough, physical offensive lineman who brings grit and effort to every snap. He plays with a strong base and uses his hands well to control defenders at the line of scrimmage. Whether in pass protection or run blocking, Ben shows a willingness to battle through the whistle and do the dirty work in the trenches. His work ethic, strength, and team first mentality make him a valuable piece of the offensive front. As he continues to refine his technique, Ben has the potential to be a steady force up front.     Matthew is a strong, dependable offensive lineman who brings physicality and consistency to the front line. He plays with solid leverage, moves well for his size, and shows good awareness in both pass protection and run blocking. Matthew does a great job staying engaged with defenders and opening lanes for the ground game. His toughness and willingness to finish blocks make him a tone setter in the trenches. With continued development, Matthew has the tools to anchor the offensive line and be a reliable presence up front.    The Taft Raiders showed flashes of greatness throughout the 2024-2025 season, proving they can compete with the best in the district. With a high powered offense, size up front, and playmakers in space, the pieces are there for this program to make a serious playoff push in the near future. As they continue to build under the leadership of Ricky Stade and his staff, the Raiders are a team on the rise one that opponents can't afford to overlook.

Coming off a 6-5 season and a 5-3 district run, the Taft Raiders got off to a hot start in the 2024-2025 season. The team was led by Head Coach Ricky Stade, Offensive Coordinator Daryl Garcia, and Defensive Coordinator Donny Flores who has since taken the DC job at Del Valle (Austin, TX). Taft's offense ran at a high tempo, powered by a massive offensive line and explosive wide receivers who could create plays in space. On the defensive side, the Raiders played with relentless energy and had playmakers all over the field. They punched their ticket to the playoffs but came up short in a first round battle with Johnson. With 2025 on the horizon, the Raiders are looking to return to the field with a new edge. Get to know some of the ballers ready to make it happen.