John H. Reagan Early
College High School
- LOCATION: Austin, Texas
- MASCOT: The Raiders
- COLORS: Blue and White
STORY OVERVIEW
For the third installment of the "Underdogs" series, SI.com travels to Austin, Texas, where John H. Reagan High is amid a daunting rebuilding effort. A Texas powerhouse during the 1960s and '70s -- Reagan won state championships in 1967, 1968 and 1970 -- the Raiders have recently fallen on hard times. Over the past eight seasons, they’ve gone 9-70. In 2011, they went 0-10.
In 2012, however, the Raiders are attempting to spark a turnaround. Keith Carey, the former defensive coordinator at crosstown McCallum High, took over as head coach in January, and he's worked tirelessly to restore the program to glory. He's trying to use football as a means of changing players' lives -- with lessons that extend to all facets of life.
Reagan lost its first game this season, but its journey is just beginning. Here's an inside look at the Raiders' quest for redemption.
PHOTO GALLERY
KEY PERSONNEL
Keith Carey
After coming over from crosstown McCallum High, Carey hopes to spearhead the Raiders' resurgence. He faces long odds, but, in time, wants restore Reagan to its former glory.
Demetrius Johnson
Once kicked off the team for various troubles, Johnson has returned to the Raiders at quarterback. He’s turned things around both on and off the field, and he's hungry to help Reagan resume its winning ways.
