A Rising Ridge: River Ridge enjoying best season ever

One of the more surprising teams in the state of Georgia this season has been River Ridge. Following a 20-17 overtime win over Creekview, River Ridge (6-0, 3-0) is off to its best season in program history and has accomplished numerous program-firsts along the way. Prior to 2020, the Knights had never beaten an in-county opponent, amassing a 0-20 record all-time. So far this season, River Ridge has defeated three in-county opponents and is now ranked inside the AAAAAA top-10 in multiple state rankings. Since moving to a 10-game schedule in 2011, River Ridge has averaged 3 wins a season. Under second-year coach Mike Collins, the Knights have busted down the door within their area and have turned a few heads around the state in the process. Here’s a look at a few of the players who have made an impact for the Knights this season. <strong>RB Amehre Morrison, Class of 2022</strong> Hyped during the preseason as arguably the best player in Cherokee County, this dynamic tailback has not disappointed. Following a sophomore campaign where he led the county in all-purpose yards (1,287), Morrison has exploded with 1,164 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns in six games played. Very capable in the passing game as well, Morrison has tallied 99 yards on 11 receptions. He scored twice last week against Creekview, his second score coming in overtime to seal the victory. <blockquote>Heading into the back half of the season, Morrison (5’8”, 165) leads Class AAAAAA in rushing and should be considered amongst the best backs in Georgia.</blockquote> https://twitter.com/Patrick_J_OShea/status/1319823947043606528 <strong>DE Brian Bradley, Class of 2022</strong> One of the most underrated defensive players in Cherokee County, Bradley has continued to perform like the All-County player he was during his sophomore season. A versatile defensive lineman, Bradley plays both the run and pass well and seems to have a knack for getting to the ball carrier behind the line of scrimmage. Has the frame (6’3”, 210) to gain muscle at the next level and displays excellent lateral movement at the point of attack. An excellent student off the field, Bradley has received attention from Ivy League schools. https://twitter.com/Patrick_J_OShea/status/1319796594506682370 <strong>WR/TE Jackson Head, Class of 2023</strong> One of the standout underclassmen on River Ridge’s roster, Head has emerged as a legitimate receiving threat during his sophomore campaign. In five games played, Head has amassed 266 yards on 15 receptions (17.7 average) and three touchdowns. With excellent size (6’3”, 205) Head projects as a receiving prospect to keep an eye on moving forward. https://twitter.com/Patrick_J_OShea/status/1307109797712531459 <strong>TE/WR Riley Caines, Class of 2021</strong> Caines has emerged during his senior season as one of the most important pieces of River Ridge’s offense. Has shown excellent ability to adjust to the ball in the air with good size (6’1”, 210) he should be able to contribute well at the next level. Holds seven college offers including Birmingham-Southern, Reinhardt University and Berry College. https://twitter.com/Patrick_J_OShea/status/1307107847466090503 <strong>DB Scotty Rutherford, Class of 2021</strong> Rutherford has backed up his All-County campaign as a junior and is playing like one of the better safeties in the area. Through six games, Rutherford (5’10”, 175) sits fifth in Cherokee County in tackles with 63 while also serving as the team’s punter and kicker. Rutherford’s stats as a specialist are impressive — 5-for-5 on field goal attempts and 19-for-21 on extra points — but his aggressive mentality on the backend of the River Ridge defense has helped set the tone for the Knights' turnaround season. https://twitter.com/KnightNation_09/status/1221971241856315393