New scheme, new concepts, new terminology. Newfound success? Ridgefield certainly hopes so.
Scott Rice comes from Skyview to take over a Spudders team with just eight wins the past three years. He will install a spread offense, as the team gets away from the wing-T it has ran in recent years.
The switch excites bruising running back Hunter Abrams, who is hoping for a playoff berth for the first time in his prep football career.
“I haven’t seen it and that’s what I need,” Abrams said of the postseason. The senior ran for 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. “I feel like we’re excited with the place we’re at and I think we can surprise some teams.”
Rice believes the more aerial-based attack will only help Abrams, who is known for his punishing bowling-ball like runs. The key, Rice said, will be getting the offensive line all on the same page.
This article is part of The Columbian's High School Fall Sports 2019 special section, published in print on Sept. 1. View it online.
“The offensive line is the hardest part in learning new concepts,” Rice said. “We’ve got some dudes out there and I think we’ll be OK once we get an identity.”
Quarterback Tanner Roberts also returns, but will make the move to slot wide receiver. Perhaps stepping into the quarterback role will be Seton Catholic transfer Luke Price, who applied for a medical hardship waiver. Bryce Harrison will get first-team reps until the Spudders confirm Price will be able to suit up this season.
On defense, Clay Madsen and Matt Torres will be key pieces as the Spudders try to replace league defensive player of the year Brock Harrison.
“You can’t replace a guy like Brock but I feel like we’ve got some guys where as a team we’re going to be solid,” Abrams said.
Also new to the team this year is track and field standout Trey Knight, who will be playing for the first time in his high school career.
“He did some stuff at summer camp that I’ve never seen a kid do live or on tape,” said Rice, who believes Knight would generate football interest from colleges if he ever wanted to pursue that.
3 things to know
— Senior Trey Knight is a four-time individual state champion in track and field.
— Coach Scott Rice was an offensive line coach for the past five years at Skyview.
— Ridgefield returns six starters on each side of the ball.
