GOOD HOPE — Riley Eisner burst onto the Good Hope football scene in a big way during his freshman season.

The rising sophomore earned his first game action last year in a Week 3 showdown against area foe Winston County, taking over for then-starter Sebastion Fendley after the talented quarterback broke his forearm.

The results were certainly promising, as he completed 19 of 30 passes for 243 yards and three touchdowns for the Raiders in an exciting 41-27 win over the Yellow Jackets.

Unfortunately for Eisner, the games that followed were some the teenager would soon forget. He played only sparingly after Fendley returned to action and his stats weren’t anything to write home about.

This fall, however, Eisner will be Good Hope’s main guy under center — a prospect the youngster is certainly hoping to cash in on throughout the 2014 season.

“It’s fun to be back out here and working hard with all of the guys,” Eisner said. “I look back at last year, and I’m glad that I was able to get some experience. I got those awful games out of my system. It feels good to be ‘the man’ this year. I will try to be the best player I can be for my team.”

Eisner will certainly have plenty to work with, as running back Jared McClure returns for his senior year with the team looking to eclipse last season’s fine turnout. Joining both are wideouts Austin Reid, Kainan Smith, Eric Murphree, Taylor Morris, Jordan Collins and Austin Morris — all of whom can make terrific plays in the open field.

The talent in the backfield will certainly go far in helping give a relatively untested offensive line as much assistance as they can get throughout the year. The Raiders lost seniors Anthony Harlan, Daniel Moss, Riley Hancock and Jonathan Grisby from a seasoned group in 2013. Davis Dickerson, Dakota Morgan and Dakota Burney will all be counted on to spearhead the unit on Friday nights.

“Last year, those seniors really picked up their game to give Riley and others some really good help,” offensive coordinator Tyler Caldwell said. “This season, we will be relying on the skill guys like Riley and Jared to pick up their game for the offense and those guys up front.”

Caldwell, as well as coach Chris Moss, have every reason out there to be optimistic about those two leading up to the year.

The young assistant, who threw a state-record 4,132 yards for Cullman in 2008, had ample praise for Eisner, stating the quarterback was “smart, made good reads and has become a stronger thrower.”

With that combination, the Raiders should be able to put on a better show for the crowd in 2014.

At least, that’s what Eisner thinks.

“I feel like I can read a defense better now,” Eisner said. “I’m getting to work with the starters, too, so that’s been nice for me so far. And it makes my job easier to have someone like a Jared back there. He gets those tough yards and he’s without a doubt one of our best pass catchers, too.”

McClure will definitely be Good Hope’s go-to player, as the bruising tailback will look to build on a ’13 campaign that saw him gain 918 rushing yards, 402 receiving yards and 301 return yards to go along with 20 total touchdowns.

His goals entering the year are a lot like his running style — to the point.

“I want to get 1,000 more rushing yards than last season,” he said. “I want to make the playoffs and win state. That’s a goal I plan on reaching.”

The Raiders, like many other teams, still have question marks on both sides of the ball. However, Moss pointed out that each squad makes its own mark when the season comes to a close. It won’t be any different for this year’s edition of the Raiders.

“Every one of my teams has had its very own identity,” the 10th-year coach said. “Our expectation is the same. If you go out and win games, everything takes care of itself. This team is definitely looking forward to getting out there on Fridays.”

Aug. 21 vs. Vinemont (jamboree)

Aug. 29 vs. Cordova

Sept. 5 vs. Westminster Christian*

Sept. 12 at Oneonta*

Sept. 19 vs. J.B. Pennington*

Sept. 26 at Curry

Oct. 3 at Locust Fork*

Oct. 10 at Priceville*

Oct. 17 vs. D.A.R.*

Oct. 24 at North Jackson*

Oct. 31 vs. Hanceville

* Class 4A, Region 5 game

Who: Chris Moss

Previous positions: N/A

Years at Good Hope: Entering 10th

Overall record: 44-52

Region record: 30-33

Last year: 7-4, 5-2

Region titles: 1

Playoff appearances: 5

Playoff record: 1-5

Advanced past first round: 1

Best season: 10-2 in 2006

Worst season: 1-9 in 2010 and 2011