Football Game Preview: Ryan Raiders vs. Richland Royals + How To Watch

Ryan is a perfect 3-0 against Richland since November of 2016 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Friday. The Raiders are taking a road trip to square off against the Royals at 7:00 p.m. Ryan's defense has only allowed 12.2 points per game this season, so Richland's offense will have their work cut out for them.

On Friday, Ryan and Aledo were almost perfectly matched up, but Ryan suffered a 15-14 defeat. The contest marked the Raiders' lowest-scoring game so far this season.

Xaier Hiler

Total Tackles

09/26/25 @ Granbury	2
08/29/25 vs V.R. Eaton	4
09/04/25 @ Mansfield Timberview	4
10/03/25 vs Aledo	7

Ryan didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Xaier Hiler and Tre'Vaughn Reynolds. Hiler also set a new season-high mark in total tackles with seven. Ryan got some further help from Uzziah Warmate: he picked up a sack and made nine total tackles (3.0 for loss).

Meanwhile, Richland came tearing into Friday's matchup with three straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 23 points), and they left with even more momentum. They took their game with ease, bagging a 49-14 win over the Panthers. The contest marked the Royals' most dominant victory of the season so far.

Ryan better keep an eye on Jayshon Gibson. He was instrumental in Richland's win, rushing for 205 yards and four touchdowns while picking up 12.8 yards per carry, and also picking up 31 receiving yards. Gibson's longest rush was for an incredible 75 yards. Aaron Brooks was in the mix as well, providing Richland with two scores.

Richland was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 327 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 270 rushing yards in four consecutive matchups.

Richland's record is now 5-1. As for Ryan, their loss was their first of the season and makes their record 4-1.

Friday's game will pit two of the most dominant backs against one another: Reynolds and Gibson. Reynolds just won't slow down this season and has run in 5 touchdowns while averaging 104.6 rushing yards per game. Gibson has been a dominant force too and has run in 17 touchdowns while averaging 179.3 rushing yards per game.

Ryan beat Richland 48-35 in their previous meeting back in November of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Raiders since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.