🏈 Gulf Coast Raiders Are Building More Than a Football Team on the Mississippi Coast
🌊 Meet the Men Behind the Raiders
When Donnie Handler and Josh Heppel joined Brown Water Banter, it was clear this was not just a conversation about a football schedule. Donnie introduced himself as the Gulf Coast Raiders’ general manager, while Josh explained that he is the team’s original founder and a part owner. He also noted that Donnie is part owner as well. From the start, both men made it clear the Raiders are trying to build something with purpose on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
That purpose came into focus fast when Josh said, “Football saved my life, and now it’s my opportunity to give back.” That line summarizes Josh’s philosophy on coaching. The Raiders are not being presented as just another semi-pro team. They are being built as a developmental program centered on structure, mentorship, and giving players another chance to move forward.
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🔥 More Than Football
Donnie put it plainly: this is “more than football.” One of the best examples was the three-day camp the Raiders held at Camp Wilkes, where players stayed together, practiced during the day, and spent nights around campfires talking and building relationships. Donnie said the entire camp was paid for by sponsors, and he described it as a chance to help players with more than football by listening to their stories and helping them become better men and community leaders.
That mission also shows up in the kind of players the Raiders are trying to help. Donnie said they have several young athletes right out of high school who really should be at JUCO or somewhere else, but life and grades can get in the way. The Raiders are trying to help those players get developed, get seen, and get pointed in the right direction.
💪 Building a Real Developmental Program
Josh explained that this version of the team grew out of the Biloxi Dragons after COVID in 2021 and 2022 before becoming the Mississippi Gulf Coast Raiders in October 2022. After a pause, the program came back with renewed energy, and he said things have been nonstop ever since, from securing fields and sponsors to running what he described as the first training camp for a developmental semi-pro team in the area.
Josh got even more specific about the standard they are chasing. He said the goal is not just to set the bar for Mississippi or even the Gulf Coast, but to help define what a developmental football program should look like nationally. He pointed to the training camp, the support they provide players, and the investment they are making in helping guys rise to the next level
🛡️ A Coast Identity Built on Respect
The Raiders’ identity is also very intentional. Josh said one jersey includes a map of the Gulf Coast in the numbers, while another black jersey features an American flag and the word “respect” on the back instead of “Raiders.” That detail lines up with what he said elsewhere in the conversation about the team being built around respect, family, and Raiders culture.
That may be what makes this story stand out most. The Gulf Coast Raiders want to win, but they also want to represent the Coast the right way. Between Josh’s personal story, Donnie’s focus on mentorship, and the team’s effort to create real opportunity for young players, the Raiders are trying to build something that lasts.
🙌🏼Show Your Support
If you want to follow what the Gulf Coast Raiders are building, look them up on social media and keep up with the team as they continue growing on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. 🙌 Show your support and stay locked in for the season ahead, with the opener set for March 14 at 7 PM in Mandeville against the Bayou Lacombe Cardinals and the first home game on March 21 at 7 PM at Saint Patrick Catholic High School.
