Rider's past 25 years of football

Looking back on the Raiders' quarter century of gridiron success

Rider made 10 state quarterfinal appearances during the 2000s. photo by River Morgan

Author’s Note: We’ve been looking back at the past 25 years (since 2000) of each area high school program during the offseason. I’ve included the three WFISD schools that closed since they played for 24 of those seasons. Wichita Falls High School ran a few weeks ago – now it’s Rider’s turn.

Rider holds a special place in my heart. It’s the place that hired me to be a teacher and coach almost six years ago. I met my wife when she was a senior there. My in-laws went there. My son got to experience his freshman year of high school there. It was a privilege to produce Rider’s final yearbook last spring.

But I’m going to throw all sentimental attitudes aside for this reflection of Rider’s past quarter century of football. I don’t want you faithful Red River Roundup readers to think I’m writing this with rose-colored glasses.

Rider’s football success over the past quarter century is one of the best stretches the area has ever seen.

Was it as good as the Coyotes of the 1940s and 50s? Of course not!*

*Although think how good the city would have been if all three schools were merged into one these past couple decades. I was having this conversation on a bus ride the other day. Talking about how you could have had Jacob Rodriguez handing the ball off to A’Marion Peterson, etc.

Did it result in a state championship or title game appearance? Unfortunately, no.

But starting with Scott Ponder, the Raiders became relevant on the statewide football scene and never left.

They produced more Division I talent in the area than anyone else. They averaged almost eight wins over that 24-year stretch and routinely played past Thanksgiving.

I haven’t done the 25-year breakdowns of Graham, Holliday and Windthorst yet, so the verdict is out on whether the program’s 191 victories or 42 playoff wins are the most in the area, but I can promise you Rider’s totals will be in the running.