The Nettleton Raiders finished 11-1 last season putting together one of the greatest seasons in school history . Not many folks had pegged the Raiders to be so successful , but they proved the naysayers wrong . Yet again , Coach Steven Hampton and his boys will look to do just that . Nettleton loses one of the top quarterbacks in the state in Cameron Scarlett to graduation along with Koby Bradley and Moses Williams . Coach Hampton does return several key pieces that will need to have a big impact moving forward . Two all-state players return in defensive lineman Jordan Pigram and linebacker Blake Brown . All-conference offensive lineman Khi ’ len Gates also returns to anchor the line . Two other key pieces that return to the team include DL Kam Phillips and DB Jamie Morris . The Raiders have some playmakers at skill positions but will need to have breakout performances to finish at the top of the pack . Sophomore QB Maddox Hampton , son of Coach Hampton , will be the starter . He can sling it . It may take him some time to adjust at the high school level , but he very easily could be the next great thing for the Raiders . He will be aided by wideout Curtez Smith . Smith has electric speed and will also lineup at QB when the team opts to run out of the wildcat . Keandre Pope will get the majority of the carries at tailback . The team will run out of the spread . “ We should be improved at the skill position especially wide receiver ,” explained Coach Hampton . “ We return three starters on offensive line , so we should be able run the football effectively .” Raider pride will run out of the 3-3-5 defensively . “ Strength should be up front on the DL . We also return two starters at linebacker , so we should be solid there . Concern is secondary where three starters will have to be replaced .” Coach Hampton likes his chances even with the loss of some top players from a year ago . “ We feel good about the group of kids we have . We believe we have some key pieces from a year ago that can lead this team . We feel we have the potential to contend for the 5A East crown once again this season .” NEA Sports believes the same . The Raiders can still be considered an underdog but it should also come as no surprise if they end up at the top of the 5A East standings at season ’ s end .