Raiders Clinch First-Round Bye After Mid-South Title Triumph

Richmond Raider Football earns first-round bye after Mid-South title win; will host the winner of the Porter Ridge vs Cuthbertson matchup.

Following a 58-27 rout of Pinecrest at Raider Stadium last Friday, the No. 6-seeded Raiders have earned a first-round bye in the NCHSAA 7A West playoffs. They will host the winner of No. 11 Porter Ridge and No. 22 Cuthbertson in next week’s second round.

Scouting the challengers

Porter Ridge Pirates (6-3, 3-2 Conference)

The Pirates from Indian Trail have built their reputation on toughness and execution. Key wins include 31-21 over A.L. Brown, 24-7 over Ardrey Kell, and 31-6 at South Iredell. Porter Ridge also dominated Cuthbertson 42-17 and blasted Piedmont 41-6, proving they can score in bunches.

Cuthbertson Cavaliers (3-6, 1-4 Conference)

The Cavaliers from Waxhaw enter the playoffs looking to play spoiler. Their bright spots this year include a 14-0 shutout of Cox Mill and a 23-8 road win at Piedmont, led by senior running back Mason Iovino and a defense that thrives on creating turnovers.

For Raider fans, the postseason means more than football — it’s a county-wide celebration of pride, unity, and tradition. With the conference title in hand and home-field advantage ahead, the Raiders have their sights set on a deeper run.