A New Direction for the Raiders
The Santa Fe Raiders have endured a roller‑coaster of a recent history, cycling through four head coaches between 2022 and 2024 while collecting only two victories in that span. The instability left the program searching for stability, until Earnest Graham stepped in to take the reins.
Graham arrived after a successful stint at North Fort Myers and Evangelical Christian, where he posted a 7‑4 record in his first year and cultivated a reputation for demanding excellence. His appointment marked the first time in years that the Raiders have retained a head coach beyond a single season.
The early results have been encouraging. Under Graham’s leadership the offense has become more explosive, the line has shown greater cohesion, and the defense has adopted a physical, power‑run identity that mirrors the coach’s own philosophy.
Offensive coordinator Karl Harmon credits Graham for the team’s improved drive finishing and explosiveness, noting that the players have bought into a daily standard of being ‘one percent better.’ That mantra has already translated into stronger performances on the field.
Key contributors are beginning to emerge. Running back Jasiah Powell rushed for 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2025, earning his first collegiate offers from UNC Pembroke and Gardner‑Webb. On the other side of the ball, linebacker Dantre Little has anchored the defense, logging over 240 solo tackles and 280 total stops in the same season.
The Raiders’ schedule reflects a deliberate push toward tougher competition. They have secured matchups against local rivals Newberry (August 21), Buchholz (October 1) and Eastside (October 8), all requested by the coaching staff to test the team’s progress.
Having fallen just four points short of a playoff win the previous year, Graham is focused on closing that gap. The program’s new work ethic, built around incremental improvement, aims to translate into deeper postseason runs.