The Brownsville Rivera Raiders are heading into year two under head coach Johnny Garza. Last season, the Raiders went 0-8 in district play. Their only win came in a non-district game against Edinburg North. "Coming in so late last year we had to hit the ground running. New coordinators, myself new to the kids. It was an experience," Head Coach Johnny Garza said. "We had less than a month to get ready and we got ready we did the best we could with those groups and we took that transition this offseason with these young kids and the kids that bought in. Its been exciting they worked all summer for this and I think they're ready to showcase it this year." The Raiders return 5 players on the offensive line and Garza is counting on their experience heading into the new season. The team is also hoping its young defense can make an impact in a tough district. "I'm excited it's our last season. We have a new team a young team but we're really explosive and that's going to give us wins," senior linebacker Yael Paniagua said. The Raiders open non-district play against Lopez, followed by Brownsville Veterans Memorial, St. Joes and Edinburg High. District play begins in week 5 against Weslaco East, followed by Corpus Christi Carroll. The bye week falls in week 8. The Raiders close out the season against Corpus Christi Vets, Harlingen South and Hanna....

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SCHEDULE DROP! Print it. Post it. Save it. Share it. We hope to see #RaiderNation in the stands all season long! Our first test against an opponent in 2026 comes this Thursday as the Raiders travel to Mercedes for a scrimmage at Tiger Stadium. It’s almost time. Raider Football is back! Schedule: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18K5zVAS3p...

"The Rivera Early College High School Raiders officially kicked off preparations for the 2026 football season as players took the field for their first day of practice. With hard work, dedication, and team spirit leading the way, another exciting season is underway. As the season begins, Brownsville ISD wishes all of our student-athletes, Fine Arts students, JROTC cadets, cheerleaders, dance teams, bands, and everyone who helps make Friday Night Lights so special a safe, successful, and memorable season." Video Interview: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BffUPAAd6/...