2026 Countdown to Kickoff: Randall Raiders

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - Randall enters 2026 coming off a 10-3 season and a third-round playoff appearance, following an 11-win campaign the year before. The Raiders have posted back-to-back double-digit win seasons under head coach Dan Sherwood, who enters his fourth year leading the program.

Sherwood said watching the freshman class from his first season develop into this year’s senior leaders has been rewarding.

“I love watching kids from the early development age and their growth and maturity. Seeing them be able to grow and hold each other accountable — that’s what it’s all about for me,” Sherwood said. “Not about the wins or anything else, but seeing kids develop into real young men.”

Team mentality

Sherwood said this year’s group has shown maturity in how it handles both good and bad moments on the field.

“This team kind of has a goldfish mentality to it. They easily forget good and bad plays and move on to the next one,” Sherwood said. “They don’t let stuff snowball and they don’t get too high either. They stay pretty even keel and focused on the next play.”

Team motto

Sherwood said the athletic program’s motto this year is “back on top.”

“Our motto for the entire athletic program is back on top. We want to get back on top of district championships, regional, state, Lone Star Cup,” Sherwood said. “We want everybody to know the Randall Raiders are number one.”

Sherwood said faith and attention to detail are central to reaching that goal.

“It takes faith. It takes faith in Jesus first and foremost, but then it takes faith in yourself and your teammates and others,” Sherwood said. “It’s all about doing those little details every single day.”

Sherwood said his coaching philosophy extends beyond a player’s high school career.

“We preach 40, not four. We’re not worried about the next four years of your life. We’re worried about the next 40,” Sherwood said.

A Raider’s perspective

Senior wide receiver Phoenix Sherwood said the chemistry within this year’s senior class sets it apart.

“What I’ve liked is our chemistry. This group right here — we’ve been playing together since young, young,” Sherwood said. “I feel like this could probably be the best team to come through Randall.”

Sherwood said the team’s work ethic will be a defining trait this season.

“We might not be the biggest, but I think we’ll definitely outwork a lot of people,” Sherwood said. “A lot of people don’t know what we have coming, but I think this is the team to be great.”

2026 Randall football Schedule

Copyright 2026 KFDA. All rights reserved.