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Southampton Academy’s varsity football team enjoys some significant continuity entering the 2024 season after losing only one player due to graduation.

Cole Heiderich, who is back for his third year as the Raiders’ head coach, said, “We lost our lone senior from last year, Sam Sawyer. Though not a huge loss numbers-wise, we used Sam in a multitude of ways and will miss that versatility.”

The 2023 Raiders finished 4-5 overall, ending up just short of playoff eligibility.

This season, Southampton Academy will continue competing in the small-school division of the VI8FL — the Virginia Independent Schools (Eight-Man) Football League.

Heiderich shared his expectations and focus for this year’s Raiders squad.

“Obviously a championship should be your goal as a program, and all of our guys are starving for one — but right now we’re just keeping our head down and focusing on our opener against Rappahannock County,” he said.

A variety of players are expected to help lead Southampton Academy on the gridiron in 2024.

Heiderich started a list of offensive standouts with junior athlete Ethan Webb, who the coach said “was a human highlight reel last year in the backfield.” 

Another returning offensive weapon is junior athlete Jake Holland.

“He made some timely and talented plays for us last year at receiver,” Heiderich said.

The coach also highlighted SA’s senior offensive linemen: Jack Everett, Enrique Arce and Timmy Dunn.

On defense, Heiderich noted that Ashton Whitehead is back as a junior and as the captain of the defense at linebacker.

“His motor and toughness will continue to help us,” the coach said.

Heiderich highlighted Everett as a standout defensive end too.

“He has a very natural ability to play the position and does his job just about every play,” the coach said.

SA currently has only eight games on its regular-season schedule. It had been set to face Richmond Christian School on Friday, Sept. 27, but Heiderich noted that RCS dissolved its program during the first week of August, creating the open date.

He reflected on which regular season games he expected to be of particularly great utility to him and his staff in determining if the Raiders are showing the development needed for a deep playoff run this season.

“I think the most important thing in that regard is just striving to play our best football by the end of the season,” he said. “(Brunswick Academy) and (Kenston Forest School) are obviously big games for our community and fans, but I think the way a team finishes the season speaks volumes about their true identity.”

The Raiders opened the year Thursday, Aug. 29, with a 44-12 home win over Rappahannock County High School. 

Southampton visits Covenant School on Friday, Sept. 6, with a 4:30 p.m. kickoff.

 

Southampton Academy Raiders Schedule

Aug. 29: Rappahannock County – at home – 6 p.m.

Sept. 6: Covenant – away – 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 12: Brunswick Academy – away – 6 p.m.

Sept. 20: Kenston Forest – at home – 7 p.m.

Sept. 27: Open date

Oct. 4: Chincoteague – away – 6 p.m.

Oct. 11: Fuqua – at home – 7 p.m.

Oct. 19: Broadwater – away – 2 p.m.

Oct. 25: Blessed Sacrament Huguenot – away – 7 p.m.