The Red Raiders clinched a playoff berth this season and hold the second best record in the conference. The 7-1 Raiders are unbeaten at home and play the 2-6 Dundee-Crown Chargers in front of the home crowd for their last regular season game.

The Raiders are heavily favored in the upcoming matchup against the Chargers, which would give them a record of 8-1, second to only the 8-0 Cary Grove Trojans who are slated to go 9-0.

The Raiders have done well this season, but they have not beaten a team over .500. Bartlett, 2-5-2, Elgin 1-7, Gary West, 1-8, Hampshire and McHenry 3-5. The Raiders have a great record and they look wonderful on paper, but are they ready to contend for the state championship?

The only team the Raiders have faced over .500 is the undefeated Trojans. Although they are ranked in the top 5 in Illinois, these are the kind of teams Huntley will have to face if they want a chance at advancing in the state playoffs.

The Raiders are having a great season, especially with the great junior players Anthony Binetti and Casey Haayar on the offensive side of the ball and on defense junior Tim McCloyn alongside junior Zach Peter who will be back for the start of next year. I just do not see the Raiders going anywhere this season.

I am rooting for the Raiders, but I do not have my hopes up for the playoffs this season, but I think that the next year the Raiders have a much better shot at the State championship.