2023 Preview: Ridge View Blazers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COLUMBIA |</strong> The 2023 season could not arrive soon enough for Ridge View.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Just when it appeared the Blazers were headed for a playoff run last season, the SCSHL ordered them to forfeit eight games due to ineligible players. The decision knocked Ridge View out of the post-season and made for a long offseason to simmer over what might have been.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the returning seniors, there's a deep hunger to complete unfinished business.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“It was unfortunate, especially for our seniors that they didn't have a chance to compete in the playoffs,” returning linebacker <strong>Myles Brown</strong> said. “We took it personal. We think we deserved the opportunity to play against the other teams and can compete with them during the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The offense is expected to remain potent with quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='997121' first='Breylon' last='Boyd'] back. His targets will be a trio of receivers - <strong>Kennedy Thomas</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='233146' first='Jordon' last='Gidron']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='473013' first='Carter' last='Coleman']</strong> - and <strong>Francis Aiken</strong> as the lead running back. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Helping to protect Boyd will be senior prospect<strong> Joshua Ladd</strong> (pictured), who's moving to center this season, <strong>Jay Barchue</strong> and <strong>Kyrie Squire</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On defense, linebackers <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='728148' first='David' last='Matthews']</strong> and <strong>Brown</strong> will look to set the tone with <strong>Mycah Cummings</strong> in the secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“We have no issues. Our numbers are as big as they have ever been before,” Ridge View head coach Derek Howard said. “The excitement is just as big as you will see from any Ridge View team in the past.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>STARS SET TO SHINE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='997121' first='Breylon' last='Boyd']</strong> QB, 2024 – He's ready to step into starter's role after two seasons as a backup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='233146' first='Jordon' last='Gidron'] </strong>WR, 2026 – Possesses the size, speed, and leaping ability to provide a downfield threat for the Blazers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Joshua Ladd </strong>OL, 2024 – The 6-foot-3 senior has played guard and tackle on both sides of the line and will play center this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FILM REVIEW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jayden Andrews </strong>DB, 2024 – The 5-foot-9, 155-pound cornerback is a self-described “hard-hitter” who does not shy away from contact. He reacts quickly to disrupting a play and his lateral speed allows him to cover the field. As a sophomore, he proved his prowess as a kick returner with two touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16166256/61b54fc2ab9d750d4c18d592' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64dd257c80bdd"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Biggest Losses:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zion Agnew </strong>WR – Agnew was a Class 4A All-State and Shrine Bowl selection now at East Carolina.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Javon Gillespie </strong>DB<strong> –</strong> A Class 4A All-State cornerback who had 36 tackles and two sacks last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='284134' first='Jayvon' last='Gilmore']</strong> QB – He spent the spring at Ridge View before transferring to Ben Lippen to play quarterback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kennedy Thomas </strong>WR, 2025 – He showed promise in filling in for [player_tooltip player_id='233146' first='Jordon' last='Gidron'] during the summer as he recovered from a groin injury.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='840548' first='Tre' last='Howard'] </strong>QB, 2027 – He's expected to backup [player_tooltip player_id='997121' first='Breylon' last='Boyd'] at quarterback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->