The East Paulding Raiders are undefeated at 9-0, and the team faces undefeated Allatoona Friday night for the region title and top seed in the state AAAAA playoffs.

It has been a full team effort to have such a great record, but there is one player who has stood out throughout the season, Kamani Thomas, said his coach. This 5-foot-9, 195-pound senior running back has been a dominant force for the Raiders all season long.

After the Raiders’ game eight victory against South Paulding, 20-16, Thomas had some very impressive numbers on offense.

Thomas had an injury-filled 2011 season but still finished with 118 carries for 892 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Thomas recovered this season and has had 144 carries for 1,428 yards and 12 touchdowns through nine games. The Raiders beat Lithia Springs, 58-14, Friday night. First-year head coach Chuck Goddard said Thomas is a “fine young man and a hard worker.” Thomas is the type of player who leads by example, the coach said “[He] lets his actions on the field do all the talking,” said Goddard.

Thomas has played for the Raiders all four years and with his senior season almost over, he is looking to extend his talents to the collegiate level. Currently undecided, Thomas is considering Arizona State, Middle Tennessee, South Alabama and Troy.