4A Team of the Week: Canyon Randall Raiders
Never say die at Randall High School.
The Raiders are back-to-back 4A Division I regional semifinalists, but they were in for quite the test last Friday against 5A Wichita Falls Memorial.
Randall trailed by as much as 14 in the fourth quarter, but the Raiders had cut that deficit to seven as time began to wind down. With just four seconds left, Raider quarterback Hendrix Funk found Phoenix Sherwood for the dramatic game-tying touchdown, sending the game into overtime.
Randall wasn’t done with its heroics either. After a Memorial touchdown to open overtime, the Raiders blocked the extra point to keep the deficit at just six. That opened the door for the offense to strike and strike they did. Running back Drayden Ray scored out of the wildcat on fourth-and-three before Jacob Avalos booted through the game-sealing extra point in a wild 35-34 victory.
“We have a team that is willing to go the distance for each other,” Randall head coach Dan Sherwood said. “I let them know that was the most proud of a football team I have ever been. At multiple points in the game, they could have thrown in the towel, but they never did. It is impossible to beat someone who never quits, in life and in football.”
Ray stayed busy all night long, carrying the ball 34 times for 114 yards. Funk threw for 112 yards, while Sherwood finished with six catches for 59 yards.
Big week 2 win in OT against a great 5A team!! Rushed for 114 and 3 rushing tds. Proud of the grit my guys showed! @FTSraiderball @ArtisCkyler @JVNYLFILMS @abovetherimkh @CoachTycenGray @CoachBoehler @CoachKnapczyk @PoolBrodney @BenG_James55 @Coach_GMeyer21 @CoachFloydHSU pic.twitter.com/tqxtfYHf6F
— Drayden Ray (@drayden_ray) September 6, 2026
Defensively, linebacker Brody Kittrell had 12 tackles and a fumble recovery.
Randall is now 2-0 on the season, and Sherwood couldn’t be prouder to be leading a group that shines both on and off the field.
“The kids exemplified what it means to be all in for each other. I hope that this experience will carry on with them for many years to come, so that they know they can accomplish great things,” Sherwood said. “Most importantly, we are a team rooted in faith in Jesus, and I hope the way we play glorifies God and inspires others to follow Jesus.”
The Raiders will be back on the gridiron this Friday with another road trip, this time against Borger.
Previous 4A Teams of the Week
Week One: Corpus Christi Miller
