Portland Raiders Gear Up for 2025: Can the Dominance Continue?

As summer heats up in Portland, MI, all eyes turn to the Raiders as they prepare for what promises to be another electrifying football season. Coming off an impressive 11–1 year—including a dominant 7–0 CAAC White run and a strong playoff showing—Portland aims to ride the momentum into 2025.

🔙 Returning Talent & Leadership - The Raiders return key players on both sides of the ball. Nolan Zbytowski adds versatility, seamlessly transitioning between running back duties and defensive backfield coverage. The offensive line remains formidable with juniors and both multipurpose upperclassmen handling interior line duties.

🔁 Graduations to College - The squad will miss the contributions of Cody Hengesbach, who elevated at offensive tackle to earn a spot with Davenport University, and fleet-footed Christopher Battley, now committed to Northern Michigan's program—all culled from the roster's deep talent pool*.

💪 Strengths to Build On - Portland's offensive and defensive performance last season was nothing short of dominant. The offense averaged over 46 PPG in league play, showcasing both power and precision. Meanwhile, the defense tallied multiple shutouts—including a 33–0 victory over Sexton and a tremendous 64–0 thrashing of Eaton Rapids—holding opponents to under 10 PPG consistently . That balance between scoring offense and hard-nosed defense is the hallmark of championship teams.

🌟 Players to Watch

• Gunnar Williams and Brady Rowe will step into the spotlight as the leading receivers, expected to stretch defenses and make critical plays.

• On defense, the cohesion among the front seven and secondary will again be vital. Expect line leadership from Fullett to set the tone.

  
  

📅 2025 Schedule & Expectations - The season kicks off on 8/28 with a home clash against Detroit Country Day. League battles include matchups with Sexton, Olivet, Ionia, Lakewood, Lansing Catholic, Eaton Rapids, Charlotte, and Whitehall—many of which are repeat opponents from last year’s dominant campaign.

🏆 Final Projection - With their core intact and returning depth, Portland looks poised to finish the regular season at or near the top of the CAAC White. A projected 10–2 record and deep playoff run is within reach. If the offense remains potent and the defense keeps its iron grip, the Raiders could very well clinch a conference title—and perhaps more.

*Addicted To Quack+2University of Louisville Athletic+2Silver And Black Pride+2Portland Raider AthleticsThe D Zone Football+1MaxPreps.com+1MaxPreps.comSI

*Silver And Black Pride+4Portland Raider Athletics+4Wikipedia+4Addicted To Quack+2MaxPreps.com+2Silver And Black Pride+2SI+2MaxPreps.com+2MaxPreps.com+2

“Unfinished Business: The Road to Redemption Starts Now”

After an electric 2024 season that ended just short of a deep playoff run, the Portland Raiders are back with one goal in mind: finish what they started. The 11–1 powerhouse returns with a stacked roster, battle-tested leadership, and a hunger to dominate the CAAC White again—and go even further in the postseason.

🔥 Star Player Profiles

⭐ Nolan Zbytowski – RB / CB / S

• 2024 Stats: 600 rushing yards, 3 INTs, 2 TD returns

• Why He’s Key: Zbytowski is Portland’s Swiss Army knife—used as a change-of-pace back and one of the smartest defenders in the secondary.

⭐ Gunnar Williams – WR / DB

• 2024 Stats: 7 receiving TDs, 2 forced fumbles

• Why He’s Key: Deep threat and lockdown corner. He’s a playmaker on both ends and will likely lead the team in highlight-reel moments.

📅 2025 Game Forecasts

Week	Opponent	Location	Prediction
1	Detroit Country Day	Home	W – 27-20
2	Lansing Sexton	Away	W – 38-10
3	Ionia	Home	W – 41-7
4	Olivet	Away	W – 35-14
5	Eaton Rapids	Home	W – 49-0
6	Lakewood	Away	W – 42-13
7	Charlotte	Home	W – 28-21
8	Lansing Catholic	Away	L – 21-24
9	Whitehall	Away	L – 31-34

Projected Regular Season Record: 7–2 or 8–1Playoff Potential: Elite 8 appearance

📊 2024 Season Snapshot

• Overall Record: 11–1

• Playoff Wins: 2

• Avg. Points Scored: 41.2

• Avg. Points Allowed: 9.6

• Shutouts: 4

• Top Team Wins: Hastings, Lansing Catholic, Eaton Rapids

🎯 Season Goals

• Regain CAAC White Title

• Advance to State Semifinals

• Finish Top 3 in Division 4 Rankings

• 3+ All-State Selections

🏁 Final Word

Portland isn’t just reloading in 2025—they’re refining. With top-tier talent like Dickerson, Zbytowski, and Williams leading the way, the Raiders are primed to return as one of Michigan’s most feared high school teams. Don't be surprised to see them playing deep into November.

*Please note that predictions are solely based on opinions of the author based on statistics and ranks.

*If you find any information that is incorrect, please email info@alexmimagery.com and our team will make the corrections immediately. We appreciate your help in obtaining the most accurate information.