Friday nights in Raymond, New Hampshire, have a specific sound. It is the rhythmic thud of pads colliding under the hum of stadium lights at G.W. Giles Stadium. For a small town, the Raymond High School football program carries a heavy weight. It isn’t just a game; it is a community pulse.
People think small-school football is easy. They’re wrong.
The Rams compete in the NHIAA Division IV, a landscape defined by grit, limited rosters, and athletes who rarely leave the field. If you are playing Raymond High School football, you aren't just a linebacker. You are probably the punter and the starting guard, too.
The Grind of Division IV Football
Division IV in New Hampshire is a unique beast. You won't find the massive 80-man rosters of the Division I powerhouses down in Nashua or Bedford. Instead, schools like Raymond, Franklin, and Mascoma Valley engage in a war of attrition.
Depth is a luxury.
When a starter goes down in Raymond, it doesn't just change one position; it reshuffles the entire deck. This reality forces a level of versatility that bigger schools don't require. You'll see a kid catch a 40-yard touchdown pass and then, three minutes later, he's the one making a touchdown-saving tackle on the goal line. It’s exhausting. Honestly, it’s beautiful to watch because it’s so raw.
The program has seen its fair share of ups and downs. There have been seasons where the Rams were the hunters, and years where they were the prey. But the identity of Raymond football stays the same: tough, blue-collar, and stubborn. They don't quit.
Why the Community Connection Matters
You can’t talk about Raymond football without talking about the town itself. Raymond is a place where everybody knows the starting quarterback’s parents. The local businesses chip in for the new jerseys. The fire department is often there.
✨ Don't miss: Why Cumberland Valley Boys Basketball Dominates the Mid-Penn (and What’s Next)
There is a specific pressure that comes with that.
When you lose on a Friday night, you see the people who watched you lose when you’re buying milk on Saturday morning. But when you win? The whole town feels like it’s walking an inch taller. That local investment is why the NHIAA playoffs are such a big deal here. Getting a home playoff game in Raymond is basically a town holiday.
Coaching Transitions and the Learning Curve
Success in high school sports is rarely a straight line. It’s more of a jagged heartbeat. Raymond has navigated various coaching changes over the last decade, and each transition brings a new philosophy. One year might be a heavy emphasis on the "Ground and Pound" run game, while the next sees a shift toward a more modern spread offense.
Adaptability is the name of the game.
Small schools like Raymond have to build their schemes around the talent they have, rather than forcing kids into a system that doesn't fit. If you have a massive offensive line but no fast receivers, you’re going to run the ball until the defense’s legs give out. If you have a track star at QB, you let him create in space.
- The Weight Room Factor: This is where the games are actually won. In the off-season, the Raymond weight room is the forge. Because the roster is smaller, the Rams have to be stronger and better conditioned than the teams with more substitutes.
- The Rivalry Aspect: Games against local foes like Epping-Newmarket are circled on the calendar in red ink. These aren't just games; they are neighborhood bragging rights that last for years.
The Reality of Being a Student-Athlete in Raymond
Let’s be real for a second. Being a football player at Raymond High isn't just about the highlights on social media. These kids are balancing rigorous academics with a sport that demands 20+ hours a week of their time.
It's a lot.
🔗 Read more: What Channel is Champions League on: Where to Watch Every Game in 2026
Most of these players are multi-sport athletes. Once the football pads are put away in November, many of them are stepping onto the basketball court or the wrestling mat by Monday. This "ironman" culture is what keeps Raymond competitive. They don't have the luxury of specialized, year-round football players. They have athletes.
The NHIAA sets strict rules on eligibility and heat acclimatization, ensuring that despite the "tough it out" culture, player safety stays front and center. Concussion protocols and limited contact practices are now the norm, a far cry from the "bridge" drills of twenty years ago.
Navigating the Playoff Hunt
To make noise in Division IV, consistency is everything. The point system used by the NHIAA means every single game carries massive implications for seeding. One bad loss to a lower-ranked team can tank your chances of a home-field advantage in the postseason.
Raymond fans have learned to watch the standings closely. They know that the road to a state championship often goes through teams like Somersworth or Newport. To beat those programs, Raymond has to play nearly perfect situational football.
- Special Teams: Often overlooked, but in D4, a blocked punt or a long kickoff return is usually the difference between a win and a loss.
- Turnover Margin: You cannot give away the ball when you only have 25 players. You just can't.
The Future of the Rams
What does the next chapter look like for Raymond High School football? It depends on the youth programs. The Raymond Ravens youth football organization serves as the pipeline. If the numbers stay high at the youth level, the high school stays healthy.
There is a constant battle for the attention of teenagers. Between specialized travel sports, jobs, and—let’s face it—video games, getting 30 kids to commit to the physical toll of football is harder than it used to be.
But the tradition is sticky.
💡 You might also like: Eastern Conference Finals 2024: What Most People Get Wrong
There’s something about that Green and Gold. There’s something about the way the grass smells on a cool October evening in Raymond. As long as there are kids who want to prove they are the toughest in the room, there will be a football team at Raymond High.
Actionable Insights for Players and Parents
If you are a part of the Raymond football community or looking to join, keep these three things in focus:
1. Prioritize Multi-Sport Participation
Don't specialize too early. The best football players in Raymond's history were often standouts in baseball, track, or wrestling. The NHIAA values the "all-around athlete" for a reason—it prevents burnout and builds different muscle groups.
2. Focus on the Academic Floor
You can't play if you don't pass. The transition from middle school to high school academics can be a shock. Establish a study routine early in the season so that mid-terms don't sideline you right when the playoff push begins.
3. Engagement Beyond the Field
For the community, support the boosters. The equipment, the meals, and the travel costs are largely supplemented by the hard work of parents and local sponsors. Whether it's a car wash or a bake sale, that funding is the literal lifeblood of small-town football.
The road through the Granite State's Division IV is never easy, but for those who wear the Raymond helmet, the struggle is the point. It's about more than the scoreboard. It's about the town, the teammates, and the grit required to show up every Friday night, ready to hit.