WHAT WE KNOW
The offense will begin with running back Ke'Von Johnson, the explosive playmaker who plied his trade at St. Edmund in Eunice for the first two seasons before transferring into Northwest for his junior season.
It ended up being a blessing for the 175-pound back, who averaged over 10 yards per carry and sustained his production before being sidelined for the postseason.
But, he'll be far from the only threat in the Raider offense. Receivers Reginald Lavergne and Markez Davis each supply targets 6-2 or taller for quarterback Justin Chavis, who replaces first-team all-district brother Jayden after transferring in from J.S. Clark Leadership Academy.
WHAT WE DON'T
While the Raiders do boast some playmakers on the defensive end, there are still some questions to be answered.
But, with junior Marcus Sam at linebacker, they'll at least have a steady and strong presence calling the defense.
Sam, who was the MVP of LSU's junior camp over the summer, was an all-district player last season.
Still, the Raiders are replacing a significant amount of experience and production on defense. Their emergence or lack of will ultimately determine how far the Raiders can do in 2025.
HOW WE SEE IT
There won't be many teams in Acadiana who can go possession-for-possession offensively with Northwest. But with a tough early season slate and a highly competitive district, Northwest will need to be at its best from day one to repeat as district champions.
After winning its first outright district title in eight seasons, it stands to wonder what the Northwest Raiders have up their sleeves for an encore in 2025.
As it turns out, it'll be a return to things that have made them successful in the past.
Last year, Northwest found itself to be the perfect match of size and speed and managed to use its physicality on the offensive line to spring running back Johnson to over 1700 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns.
But with the Raiders graduating three offensive linemen who were over 300 pounds, they'll revert to a spread offense this season to maximize the traditional speed Northwest always possesses.
FIVE TO WATCHKe'von JohnsonRB, 5-11, 175, Sr.
The senior has rushed for 1,700 yards or more in all three years of his high school career between St. Edmund and Northwest. Barring an ankle injury last season, it's likely that he would've had another 2,000 yard season. He's a home-run hitter in every sense and has bulked up a bit this offseason. He reportedly currently holds an FCS offer from Lamar. He's also expected to play some cornerback this season as well.
Reginald LavergneWR, 6-1, 185, Sr.
Lavergne is one of two receivers head coach Chris Edwards trusts to take the top off of a defense. He is long and rangy and with the Raiders returning to a spread attack this season he's expected to play a key role in making the offense thrive.
Markez DavisWR, 6-1, 175, Sr.
The other piece of Northwest's aerial attack. The Raiders have plenty size on the outside to challenge defensive backs and keep defenses out of the box to attack Johnson.
Justin ChavisQB
Following in the steps of his all-district brother, Jaydon, Justin transferred in from J.S. Clark. Edwards likes his smarts to run the offense and expects him to be effective this season.
Hayden Valmont6-1, 275, OL, Sr.
A returning all-district performer last season, Velmont will anchor a line that lost a lot of experience.
Projected Starters
Offense
WR Reginald Lavergne (6-2, 185, Sr.)*
WR Markez Davis (6-4, 175, Jr.)*
WR Jayden Lazard
OT Nicholas Jackson
OG Trevor Sterling
C Hayden Valmont (6-1, 275, Sr.)*
OG Justin Manuel
OT Christian Huerta
QB Justin Chavis
RB Ke'Von Johnson (5-8, 175, Sr.)*
RB Ethan Jenkins
Defense
DT Damon Jones
NG Brycen Comeaux
DE Ty Savoy
LB Jei'vionne Owens (6-2, 200, Sr.)*
LB Fredrick Nimer (5-11, 200, Jr.)*
LB Cameron Dawkins
LB Marcus Sam
CB Ke'Von Johnson (5-8, 175, Sr.)*
CB Jonreyon Freeman
SS Reginald Lavergne (6-2, 185, Sr.)*
SS Hayden Brown (5-8, 160, Sr.)*
* - Returning starter
Coaches
Head coach: Chris Edwards (80-46).
Assistant coaches: Scottie Williams (OLB/OL/S), Malcolm Sam (WR), Jayden Lazard (OL), Mark Cassimere (DL), Alex Fontenot (P/K), Kevin Francis (ILB), Ja/Vain Reese (DB), Corey Dauphine (RB), Kevin Malbrough (QB),
2025 Schedule
Sept. 5 Eunice
Sept. 11 Rayne
Sept. 18 BARBE
Sept. 26 JENNINGS
Oct. 3 PINE PRAIRIE
Oct. 10 Ville Platte
Oct. 17 CHURCH POINT
Oct. 24 Mamou
Oct. 31 CROWLEY
Nov. 7 Iota
2024 Results
Beat Eunice 21-14
Beat Rayne 50-14
Lost Barbe 35-32
Lost Jennings 35-14
Beat Pine Prairie 54-7
Beat Ville Platte 42-0
Beat Church Point 38-13
Beat Mamou 39-6
Beat Crowley 49-0
Beat Iota 36-11
Playoffs
Beat DeRidder 35-7
Lost Plaquemine 49-34
Past 5 years
2024: 9-3
2023: 10-4
2022: 6-5
2021: 5-5
2020: 2-5