One of the most consistent high school football programs of the decade is Denton Ryan.
The Raiders finished as state semifinalists for the past three seasons, and if not for the magic of reigning three-time Class 5A state champion, Highland Park, which has beat Ryan in all three state semifinals, the mystique of the Raiders may be a little different.
This year, the Raiders are led by a core of offensive starters who were all key contributors last year.
Junior quarterback Seth Henigan, who replaced one of the more successful Quarterbacks in Raiders history last year in current Oklahoma State signal caller Spencer Sanders, is efficient to this point, throwing for 1,637 yards and 22 touchdowns with only 3 interceptions, while running back Emani Bailey, a senior, has 782 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.
Ryan has a pair of top rated national prospects who have also played a major role in their season.
Junior and three-year varsity starter Billy Boman Jr. is already committed to Texas. Along with Alabama commit Drew Sanders, a senior, the duo combined for 19 total touchdowns, and both see time on both sides of the football.
The Raiders defense uses the 9-5-9 philosophy, and the style may be one of the best in all of Texas.
Through the first 9 games of the season, they have only given up more than 9 points in two games — a 59-28 win over crosstown rival Denton and a 61-13 victory over Grapevine.
They have three shutouts on their record and have dominated throughout the season.
Junior linebacker Ty Marsh leads the team with 44 tackles, 11 of which have been for a loss or a sack. The team has also recovered 12 fumbles on the year while also recording 20 sacks..
Ryan currently is tied for first with Birdville in the race for the District 4-5 title, and the teams will face off this week in both teams’ final game of the regular season for the district crown.
The Raiders have not lost a regular season game since 2014, which has their current win streak at an outstanding 49. Although the streak is impressive, it almost means nothing to a Raider program that has aspirations of a state championship.
