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The countdown to a new season of Red Raider football is now down to approximately one month away as the team played host to media day on Saturday, July 20 at Carden-Jarrell Field.

A month may seem like a long time away, but with high school media days taking place across Tennessee, the season is closer than one may realize. After all, the beginning of a new season starts to look a little more official when the team gets together to take pictures in fresh, new uniforms that are clear of any grass or mud stains from the previous year.

Just like their bright red and black uniforms, the Red Raider football team will look familiar, but also brand new at the same time.

The team may retain some key players from last year’s squad, but after months of hard work in a new offensive system, the team is shaping up to be more improved than they were in 2023.

“I think we’ll be a more physical, downhill running team,” said Coach Roger Haynes. “This year, I think the offense is going to have more of an identity and I think that they’ll come out and play hard and take it one play at a time. The biggest thing that we’re working on is not turning the ball over.”

Learning a new system comes with its challenges, but it seems that the Red Raiders are embracing the new changes well.

“We’re having some great, high spirited practices,” said Haynes. “They’re focused and they’re having fun. The kids are understanding what we’re trying to accomplish, they have a great attitude and they’ve worked really hard, and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

With the long offseason nearing its end, the Red Raiders will look to be more competitive in one of the toughest regions in the 6A division that includes the likes of Oakland, Riverdale, Blackman, Rockvale and Siegel.

The Coffee County Red Raiders will open the 2024 season at home against Franklin County on Friday, August 23 at 7 p.m.