Video Interview - Warwick Coach Corey Hairston on 2022 Raiders

Warwick Head Football Coach Corey Hairston chats with VirginiaPreps.com's Matthew Hatfield about the Raiders during the Portsmouth Parks & Rec Team Camp held on Tuesday, June 21, 2022.

Gearing up for his ninth season at the helm, Hairston has led the Raiders to four straight winning records. That included a 6-5 finish in 2021 as well as a postseason victory over Hampton in 2019. That playoff win marked the program's first in 29 years when they last reached the State Playoffs, halting a nine-game postseason skid.

Players set to be four-year starters like RB Bryce Buchanan and DB Davion 'DC' Corpening have never had a losing record and been in the playoff mix annually. While they're the headline names with production and prospects for the next level, there are quality parts surrounding them.

"Overall, our offense will be fast. We will be strong up front and solid with our skill positions," remarked Hairston, who likes the experience his team boasts on the defensive side of the ball as well.

The offense features five returning starters with QB Ramon Almendarez (5-9, 181) and WR's Isaiah Wallace (5-11, 172) and Eduardo Rios Jr. (6-0, 162) as well as offensive linemen Adonus Watson (5-11, 250) and Marlon Stewart (6-0, 215). Wallace and Almendarez will be seniors, whereas Watson and Rios Jr. are in the Class of 2024, and Stewart got his feet as a freshman a season ago.

Defensively, Corpening and Rios are joined by senior Rover Mike Hayden (5-11, 189) in the secondary as returning starters. In total, they have seven starters back on that side of the ball with Watson and senior Antonio Deloatch (5-7, 248) on the d-line and senior Rich Martin Jr. (6-0, 195) holding down the linebacker spot alongside sophomore Xavier Carter (5-10, 188).

Warwick opens up its 2022 campaign at home at John B. Todd Stadium in Newport News against fellow Region 4A member Warhill from the Bay Rivers District.