2023 Preview: Ridge View Blazers
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COLUMBIA | The 2023 season could not arrive soon enough for Ridge View. 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…
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Continue ReadingCOLUMBIA | The 2023 season could not arrive soon enough for Ridge View.
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.
For the returning seniors, there’s a deep hunger to complete unfinished business.
“It was unfortunate, especially for our seniors that they didn’t have a chance to compete in the playoffs,” returning linebacker Myles Brown 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.
The offense is expected to remain potent with quarterback Breylon Boyd Breylon Boyd 6'0" | 205 lbs | QB Ridge View | 2024 State SC back. His targets will be a trio of receivers – Kennedy Thomas, Jordon Gidron Jordon Gidron 6'2" | 185 lbs | WR Ridge View | 2026 State SC and Carter Coleman Carter Coleman 5'11" | 165 lbs | ATH Blythewood | 2026 State SC – and Francis Aiken as the lead running back.
Helping to protect Boyd will be senior prospect Joshua Ladd (pictured), who’s moving to center this season, Jay Barchue and Kyrie Squire.
On defense, linebackers David Matthews David Matthews 5'10" | 195 lbs | LB Ridge View | 2024 State SC and Brown will look to set the tone with Mycah Cummings in the secondary.
“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.”
STARS SET TO SHINE
Breylon Boyd Breylon Boyd 6'0" | 205 lbs | QB Ridge View | 2024 State SC QB, 2024 – He’s ready to step into starter’s role after two seasons as a backup.
Jordon Gidron Jordon Gidron 6'2" | 185 lbs | WR Ridge View | 2026 State SC WR, 2026 – Possesses the size, speed, and leaping ability to provide a downfield threat for the Blazers.
Joshua Ladd OL, 2024 – The 6-foot-3 senior has played guard and tackle on both sides of the line and will play center this season.
FILM REVIEW
Jayden Andrews 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.
Biggest Losses:
Zion Agnew WR – Agnew was a Class 4A All-State and Shrine Bowl selection now at East Carolina.
Javon Gillespie DB – A Class 4A All-State cornerback who had 36 tackles and two sacks last season.
Jayvon Gilmore Jayvon Gilmore 6'6" | 195 lbs | QB Gaffney | 2026 State SC QB – He spent the spring at Ridge View before transferring to Ben Lippen to play quarterback.
UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL
Kennedy Thomas WR, 2025 – He showed promise in filling in for Jordon Gidron Jordon Gidron 6'2" | 185 lbs | WR Ridge View | 2026 State SC during the summer as he recovered from a groin injury.
Tre Howard Tre Howard 5'10" | 160 lbs | QB Ridge View | 2027 State SC QB, 2027 – He’s expected to backup Breylon Boyd Breylon Boyd 6'0" | 205 lbs | QB Ridge View | 2024 State SC at quarterback.