A Turnaround on the Gridiron
The Santa Fe Raiders of Alachua, Florida, capped a stunning 2025 campaign with a 7‑4 record and their first playoff berth since 2020, a turnaround that seemed impossible just a few years ago.
Under first‑year head coach Earnest Graham, the team embraced a new culture built on discipline, community involvement and aggressive play‑calling, turning a 2‑37 slump into a winning season that captured the town’s imagination.
Senior running back Jasiah Powell anchored the offense, smashing school records with 1,353 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, earning first‑team All‑Area honors and giving the Raiders a dynamic ground game that opponents struggled to contain.
The revival was also fueled by the return of seven offensive starters and eight defensive starters, while sophomore quarterback Gavin Peterson, a transfer from Bartram Trail, added a dual‑threat dimension with 850 passing yards and 891 rushing yards, both ending in touchdowns.
Defensively, the Raiders tightened up, allowing just 18 points per game on average. Defensive end Cole Chong‑you led the line with 10 sacks, while versatile playmaker Braylin Jones emerged as the unit’s most impactful player, capable of shifting between multiple positions.
Kicker Mayer Steen proved reliable between the uprights, converting 33 of 36 extra points and a perfect 8‑of‑8 on field goals, highlighted by a 47‑yard effort that underscored his growing confidence.
The Raiders now face a challenging Class 3A‑District 5 slate against Belleview, Dunnellon, Eastside and North Marion (Citra), with key matchups scheduled at Newberry, Fort White, Buchholz and a home game against Eastside in early October.
Beyond the field, the resurgence has reignited youth interest in Santa Fe football, with local kids flocking to youth leagues and the community rallying behind the team’s hopeful postseason run.