The Habersham Central Raiders faced a tough matchup Friday night, falling to the Jackson County Panthers by a score of 53-6. It was a difficult game from the opening whistle, as Jackson County’s offense came out fast and their defense managed to limit Habersham’s opportunities to move the ball downfield. Despite the score, the Raiders continued to show grit, playing with determination and character through all four quarters.
While this loss closes out the regular season on a challenging note, it does not overshadow what has been one of Habersham Central’s strongest years in recent memory. The Raiders finish the regular season with an overall record of 7-3 and 5-1 in region play—a testament to months of hard work, discipline, and steady improvement. Under the leadership of Coach Benji Harrison, the team delivered exciting wins, strong defensive performances, and a balanced offensive identity that brought energy to Raider Stadium each week.
Coach Harrison told his team “that one game doesn’t define who we are and to not forget what they’ve accomplished and what they have in front of them. Don’t lose hope. Tonight was tough.”
As the Raiders look ahead, there is plenty to be proud of and plenty to build on. This season included memorable victories, rising standout players, and a team culture defined by commitment, resilience, and heart. The student body, Raider Nation, and the entire Habersham community have rallied behind this team, filling stands and showing unwavering support.
Though tonight’s game didn’t go the way the Raiders hoped, the story of this season is still one of accomplishment and progress. The team has shown what it means to play with pride for Habersham County—and that momentum doesn’t end here.
The playoffs start in two weeks and The Raiders will waste no time in preparing for whomever they will face. This year, the Raiders will have home field advantage thanks to their record in region play. According to WCON color analyst Mark Ausburn, this is the first time the Raiders will not have to travel to South Georgia since 2007. That’s a significant advantage and there’s no doubt that the home stands will be jam-packed with fans ready to cheer our Raiders on to victory.
Go Raiders.
