The Atholton Raiders enter the 2026 season carrying the weight of history. We found the program fresh off its first undefeated season in school history under Coach Eric Woodson.
That milestone reshapes expectations across Howard County football, and the schedule ahead tells the story.
Key Takeaways
- Atholton Football opens 2026 on the road at Franklin on August 28, 6:00 p.m.
- The Raiders compete in Class 3A North, tracked officially through HCPSS athletics.
- Last season’s undefeated run marked a first in program history, per Hudl recaps.
What does the 2026 schedule look like?
Our analysis suggests a demanding six-game slate with four road trips. Every date below comes from the official MaxPreps listing for Atholton Football.
| Date | Time | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 28 | 6:00 p.m. | Franklin | Away |
| Sep 4 | 3:45 p.m. | Carver Vo-Tech | Away |
| Sep 18 | 6:00 p.m. | Reservoir | Away |
| Sep 26 | 1:00 p.m. | Mt. Hebron | Away |
| Oct 17 | 1:00 p.m. | Howard | Home |
| Oct 30 | 6:00 p.m. | Glenelg | Away |
The Howard game on October 17 stands as the lone home date and likely the marquee matchup. You can confirm kickoff details through the MaxPreps schedule.
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Team fast facts you should know
If you have followed Maryland high school football, this program’s rise won’t surprise you. Here are the essentials for the Raiders football season ahead.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| School | Atholton High School, Columbia, MD |
| Team | Atholton Raiders |
| Head Coach | Eric Woodson |
| Region | Class 3A North |
| 2025 Milestone | First undefeated season in school history |
| 2026 Opener | Aug 28 @ Franklin |
The Class 3A North placement matters because it sets the path toward the MPSSAA playoffs. State bracket rules are published by the NFHS Network, which streams many of these games.
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How did the Raiders close out 2025?
We reviewed the game recaps to show why momentum favors Atholton Football this year. The results below trace a season that never broke stride.
| Date | Opponent | Recap |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 17 | Guilford Park | Season finale recap |
| Nov 13 | Mt. Hebron | Region matchup recap |
| Sep 19 | Reservoir | Early-season recap |
| Sep 13 | Wilde Lake | County rivalry recap |
| Sep 7 | Carver Vo-Tech | Non-region recap |
| Sep 2 | Franklin | Opener recap |
Each of these games is archived with full highlight reels for fans who want the film.
Six recaps, one unbroken record — that is the reality the Raiders now defend.
Full video lives on the team’s Hudl page.
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What does this mean for Raiders fans?
We don’t leave the outlook to guesswork, so here is the plain read. The August 28 opener at Franklin doubles as a rematch from the 2025 slate.
That gives you an immediate measure of how the varsity football group stacks up against a familiar foe.
Industry insiders across Howard County football are watching whether the Raiders repeat their perfect form. Our take is straightforward: the schedule is winnable, but four road games test depth early. We stand behind this reporting and will track every result through the season.
Where can you follow the season?
You can follow Atholton Football live and after each game through trusted sources.
- Schedules and scores: MaxPreps
- Official county listings: HCPSS
- Live streams and playoffs: NFHS Network
The 2026 season starts August 28, and we will cover it start to finish.
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