Raiders Set to Kick Off 2025 Campaign With New Energy Under Second Year Coach
- Dan Hogan
- Sep 4, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 22
WATERTOWN – The Watertown High School football team will take the field Friday night with renewed energy, confidence, and determination to build on the strides made at the end of last season.
The Raiders open the 2025 campaign at Victory Field against Whittier Tech at 7 p.m., the first of three non-league games before the rugged Middlesex League schedule begins.
Head Coach Joey Carroll, entering his second season, said his team learned from the struggles of 2024 and is focused on turning those lessons into wins. He emphasized the importance of building consistency and establishing a culture where “dominating the norm” becomes the standard.
The Raiders return with four co-captains — Joe Wilson, Billy Werra, Peter Pavlidis, and Gabriel Oliveira — who point to increased buy-in, strength, and a deeper roster heading into the season. The team has added a strong freshman class, and offseason workouts have helped create a more energized and united atmosphere.
Carroll highlighted improvements on both sides of the ball. The offensive line has added size and strength, while the defense is emphasizing teamwork and unselfish play. Junior quarterback Coleman Keuchkarian-Mckeen, the JV Offensive Player of the Year in 2024, steps into the starting role and has already shown leadership in the huddle.
The Raiders will look to carry momentum from last year’s late-season wins into a schedule that features early non-league tests, a timely bye week, and then the grind of Middlesex League play. Carroll said the team’s interior players — linemen, linebackers, and running backs — will be a strength, with offseason work in the weight room raising expectations for physical play.
The Raiders will not be back home until late September after the Whittier Tech opener, making Friday’s kickoff a prime opportunity for fans to see the new-look team in action under the lights. Watertown’s full 2025 schedule. All home games will be broadcast live by WCA-TV.
Friday, Sept. 5, 7:00 PM – vs. Whittier Tech (Victory Field) – Non-League
Friday, Sept. 12, 6:00 PM – at Ipswich (Jack Welch Stadium) – Non-League
Friday, Sept. 26, 7:00 PM – vs. Brookline (Victory Field) – Non-League
Friday, Oct. 3, 6:30 PM – at Stoneham – Middlesex League
Friday, Oct. 10, 6:00 PM – at Wakefield – Middlesex League
Friday, Oct. 17, 7:00 PM – at Melrose (Fred Green Stadium) – Middlesex League
Friday, Oct. 24, 7:00 PM – vs. Burlington (Victory Field) – Middlesex League
Friday, Oct. 31, 7:00 PM – vs. Wilmington (Victory Field) – Middlesex League
Thursday, Nov. 27, 10:00 AM – vs. Belmont (Victory Field) – Thanksgiving Game
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