Northeast Raiders make history as they fight for the GHSA playoffs state title

MACON, Ga. – The Northeast Raiders just reached the state semifinals for the first time in program history.

On Friday, they will face Fitzgerald – who has a 10-3 record – to see if their historic state championship season can continue.

“We all said at the start of the season that we were going to make sure the Class of 25 left its mark and that’s what we’re doing now,” said Decorian Brundage, a strong safety.

It’s safe to say they’ve already achieved that goal. They are the first Northeast team ever to advance past the quarterfinals and the first Bibb County team to host a semifinal since 1975.

Part of the team’s success is due to its focus on leadership training. Northeast is 11-2 this season. The senior said it took selflessness to get this far.

“Just playing for each other,” Brundage said. “As long as we know we’re playing for the person next to us, that’s the only thing that matters.”

Head coach Jeremy Wiggins led the Raiders to this point. He said the hustle and bustle started in the summer heat.

“It’s just a testament to the hard work they’ve put in all season, from the beginning, from the summer time, going to camp, going to OTAs, training every day of the summer… to get to this point, “It’s very well-deserved and I’m just happy for her,” Wiggins said.

The seniors on the squad have put up some shocking numbers this year.

The strong offense is led by quarterback Reginald Glover and running back Nick Woodford. Woodford has rushed for over 2,000 yards this season, and Glover has passed for 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 quarter-finals and fell a little behind, but this class here worked hard over the next two years and got back to that point and took advantage of the win by getting through the quarter-finals to the semi-finals and the opportunity “That meant playing for a state championship,” Wiggins said.

The game begins Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Thompson Stadium. The Raiders encourage their fans to wear black to participate in their “Black out Bibb” theme.

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