AFC Raiders
The last few seasons have seen the AFC Raiders with teams able to compete in the Upstate, but they haven't been able to finish opponents off to earn the victories to reach the playoffs. In 2019, AFC will be moving into the South Division, and coming off an 0-9 season with low numbers could make for a rough ride for the Raiders. Some new opponents for AFC will include Forreston, West Carroll, East Dubuque, EPC, and Amboy, all teams from the former Northwest Division, where AFC went 2-6 against Northwest foes since 2010.
Coach Brad Winterland is entering his 9th season at the helm of the Raiders, and his best finish to date was in 2012 when the Raiders went 5-4, but missed out on the playoffs. He has been working on redefining his offense, adding different tweaks to his option dominated offense. The Raiders will need to rely on some talented seniors across the board, and some incoming juniors that have already experienced varsity football, to have some success in 2019. The biggest question mark for the Raiders will be their offensive and defensive lines, especially considering the option offense they like to run that relies on timing, speed, and good blocking schemes. AFC doesn't necessarily have the strongest schedule in the conference, but they will be facing 5 teams that were in the playoffs just a year ago, and 2 more teams with the talent and ability to make a return to the playoffs after missing out in 2018.
AFC has made the playoffs 5 times in school history, going 6-5. They last advanced to the playoffs in 2005, when they were still a part of the Four Rivers conference, losing in the quarterfinals to eventual state champion Aquin. The season gets started for the Raiders on the road, where they will visit the East Dubuque Warriors.
AFC Playoff History
1990 0-1
1994 1-1
2003 2-1
2004 1-1
2005 2-1