2022 Preview: Ridge Spring-Monetta Trojans

A year ago, Ridge Spring-Monetta put up more points than any other team in the program’s history. This time around, the Trojans’ defense could be just as electric. Coach Brian Smith will have eight starters back on that side of the ball. And while a couple of big pieces have moved on, there’s no doubt that opposing offenses could have their work cut out for them this fall. “We’re going to have to rely on our defense to keep us in games for a while. Our defense has to show up and play,” Smith said. “I think they can be really good. Our defensive line should be really good. Our backers are getting stronger and coming back. Our DBs, same thing. These are kids who are going to come in and give us a chance to be successful.” Smith has some concerns about replacing some his best offensive weapons, to be sure. He’s going to slow things down some there while everyone gets acclimated. But he’s also got the types of tools on defense that could make an huge impact. RSM’s 4-2-5 is stacked up front, led by end <strong>Jae Cannon</strong> (6-foot-1, 195 pounds) and interior linemen <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="141028" first="Peter" last="Blacks"]</strong> (6-foot-1, 300 pounds) and [player_tooltip player_id="91139" first="Kanaan" last="Ligons"] (6-foot-3, 295 pounds).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> Ligons had a huge sophomore season in which he put up 45.5 total tackles, 23 tackles for loss, four sacks and two forced fumbles. Cannon had 20.5 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and three sacks. Behind them will be a pair of linebackers who are capable of shaking things up in a hurry. <strong>DeAnte Hopkins</strong> will be back after leading the team in tackles (66.5) last season while also putting up 10 tackles for loss, four sacks and two interceptions. <strong>J’Krayh Taylor</strong> (39 tackles, five tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one sack) is growing increasingly dangerous. And then the Trojans back it all up with a boatload of speed in the secondary. New starters <strong>Ty Haltiwanger</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="208348" first="Tykeem" last="Martin"]</strong> (who started at receiver last year) will join <strong>Jadan Watson</strong> (12.5 tackles, three tackles for loss), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="263159" first="Ty’Quavious" last="Adams"]</strong> (49 tackles, six interceptions) and <strong>James Boskett</strong> (29.5 tackles, five interceptions) The hope is that the defense will give the offense time to come together. Ridge Spring-Monetta will be replacing quarterback <strong>Remedee Leaphart</strong>, tailback [player_tooltip player_id="91147" first="Nehemiah" last="Brooks"] and do-it-all standout [player_tooltip player_id="91353" first="Jamarious" last="Lockett"]. (Leaphart graduated, while Brooks and Lockett transferred out of the program.) Naturally, Smith looked to players he’s also slated to start on defense to fill those roles. <strong>Cam Samuels</strong> and <strong>J’Krayh Taylor</strong> are tentatively slotted at tailback, while <strong>James Boskett</strong> will open the year behind center. There could be some growing pains, although the team’s offensive line could end up being a nice security blanket. too. The big bodies, [player_tooltip player_id="91139" first="Kanaan" last="Ligons"] and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="141028" first="Peter" last="Blacks"]</strong>, will be bolstered by <strong>Toney Ligons</strong> and tight end <strong>Jae Cannon</strong>, a top-notch blocker off the edge who clearly knows that section of the field well. Through a bit of attrition, [player_tooltip player_id="263159" first="Ty’Quavious" last="Adams"] now becomes an even bigger part of the Trojans’ plans at receiver. Last year, he caught 25 passes for 567 yards and six touchdowns, had a handful of carries and even attempted a couple passes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> Not to be overlooked is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="208348" first="Tykeem" last="Martin"]</strong>. His 25 receptions for 473 yards and five scores last season were a huge boost for this offense and he’ll be expected to perform again despite his added defensive responsibilities.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> That last part will go for a whole bunch of Trojans this season, as two-way football is the norm. “We’re gonna have to do that,” Smith said. “I’m getting used to that. What we’ve tried to really work hard at is set kids up so they can be the same player on offense [as defense]. We’ll continue to do those things. It makes us a little more efficient.”