Can Raines Reload?

The Vikings had a terrific 2015-16 season even though they lost to Miami Booker T. Washington in the Class 4A state championship game.

However, it will be very difficult for Raines to return to that high level of performance, due to having to fill multiple holes on both sides of the ball.

Raines had the biggest signing class in the area, which is a fantastic accomplishment. The only problem? They lost all their playmakers.

Losing a talented quarterback in Augie DeBiase will be the biggest challenge for this team. Also gone are the twins, JaQuan and Joshua Bailey, Rick Wells, and Michael Pinckney, to name a few.

There is still some hope for this team. Receiver/Running back Willie Wright returns to their roster.

Raines also received several player transfers from Andrew Jackson, and hopefully they will help to fill the holes left by the departing graduates.

Coach Deran Wiley will have to overcome the “last season expectations” and lead this unit back to the playoffs.

Winnable games for the Vikings come against Lee, Wakulla, Ed White, Wolfson, and Fernandina Beach.

Rival Ribault always gives Raines a good fight, and Bolles will be back with a formidable squad and won’t go down as easily this year.