On Campus: River Bluff Gators

LEXINGTON | It was a new era around River Bluff football in 2025 and while the results were mixed, the future seems bright.   Perry Parks returned to the Midlands (he previously coached at Ridge View) after being in the college ranks for a few years. And while the record last season ended at 6-6 with a second-round playoff exit, the Gators might be primed to be one of the breakout teams in 2026.   River Bluff was hit hard by graduation on the offensive line and running back, but they return a plethora of talent otherwise.   Defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1823125' first='Nick' last='Washington'] feels like the team was peaking towards the end of last season and they want to carry that over into this season. He's been impressed with what he's seen thus far.   “This has been more of a statement type of year due to having something to build off of. Our season didn't end the best way possible. We had the potential to go really far in the playoffs the way our team was on an upward trend,” Washington said. “I was new last year but going into my senior season, I have to fulfil a bigger leadership role going into this season.”   Let's look at some of the key returners.   [player_tooltip player_id='1467817' first='Liam' last='Flynn'] K   Flynn handled all the kicking duties for the Gators and he handled them well. The sophomore made 29-of-32 extra points and 8-of-10 field goals with a long of 39 yards. He had 44 touchbacks on 59 kickoffs and averaged a respectable 32 yards per punt. His leg has gotten stronger and the accuracy is still there. The coaching staff will be comfortable attempting a field goal from 50 yards and in this coming season. Flynn is one of the more dangerous kicking weapons in his Class.     [player_tooltip player_id='1344583' first='Brayden' last='Moore'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1600293' first='Davis' last='Taylor'] QB   A lot of times when a team uses two quarterbacks, it doesn't really work out. But River Bluff found a way to make it work and we should expect more of the same situation in 2026. Moore, a junior, played in 11 games last season while Taylor, a sophomore, saw action in six games. Moore completed 91-of-182 passes for 11 touchdowns while Taylor was 42-of-92 for 505 yards and five interceptions. Both bring different elements to the table. The one thing that both need to improve on is protecting the ball and getting it into the playmaker's hands in the best possible situation.     [player_tooltip player_id='1078102' first='Darius' last='Carter'] WR/ATH   Carter is a player that has exploded in the recruiting scene, and we would not be surprised to see Power 4 offers to start rolling in. The numbers are good – 62 receptions, 908 yards and 11 touchdowns along with two interceptions in limited snaps on defense. But we've watched Carter over the years and he's a game-changer and difference-maker. He wants the ball in his hands in key moments. And he's going to find a way to make a play when his team needs it most. Carter is as athletic as the come but his mentality is what's going to make him a player at the next level   [player_tooltip player_id='1664633' first='Caleb' last='Renwrick'] DB   The Gators defense should be a strength in 2026 as they have plenty of contributors returning. Renwrick had a solid junior season in which he totaled 69 tackles and five tackles for loss to go along with three interceptions and a team-best 15 passes defended. The coaching staff is high on his talent and expect him to be a leader in the secondary. He might even contribute more on offense this season.    [player_tooltip player_id='262172' first='Bubba' last='Alexander'] LB   Alexander (pictured) is a very intriguing prospect that transferred from Hammond. He played a lot of different roles with the Skyhawks but should settle into a linebacker role with the Gators. Alexander proved himself at the Carolina Coaches Combine last spring by winning the Best Bench Press and Defensive Combo Award. And that transitioned over to success on the field as well. He ran a 4.5 last spring, and it will be interesting to see how he fares this year. He makes plays sideline-to-sideline and plays well in the interior. He's a high motor player that should fit in nicely with his new team.   [player_tooltip player_id='1422592' first='Caleb' last='Pinkney'] DB   Pinkney was limited to 10 games last season, but he still racked up 43 tackles, five passes defended, an interception and a caused fumble. His numbers declined after a stellar sophomore season when he snagged seven interceptions but that's more to the fact that teams didn't throw in his direction rather than a decline in production. Pinkney has good size and cover ability and that should shine as he enters his senior season.      [player_tooltip player_id='1825516' first='Jyree' last='Grady'] ATH   Grady showed a lot of promise as a freshman when he contributed 64 tackles, two interceptions and eight passes defended. He's aggressive, plays with a nasty streak and is going to fit in well wherever the coaching staff thinks he fits best. He came on the scene early last season and was a contributor from the beginning of the season until the end.   Hamp Pitts TE   Pitts was used greatly as an extra blocker on the line of scrimmage and the sophomore more than accounted for himself in that aspect. He did add 24 receptions for 200 yards and two touchdowns, both of which were second best on the team. He runs great routes and has nice soft hands that allow him to catch anything that comes close. He can become more of a weapon in the passing game and that will help improve his stock.     [player_tooltip player_id='1823125' first='Nick' last='Washington'] DB   Last season's Gator team allowed 23.5 points per game, but we think with the talent returning, that could be greatly improved. Add Washington's name to that list. The junior contributed 38 tackles, two interceptions and two passes defended in 11 games. He will play a huge factor in the secondary and provide plenty of experience on that side of the ball in the fall.    [player_tooltip player_id='1824104' first='Reece' last='Huffstetler'] LB   Two players contributed over 100 tackles a season ago and Huffstetler will be returning for his senior season. He finished with 104 tackles, eight tackles for loss, a sack and two passes defended. Huffstetler is more than likely to be the quarterback of the talented defense. Not only is he going to be a leader, but he very easily could average 10 tackles per game and be a disruptive force in both defending the pass or run.    [player_tooltip player_id='1824708' first='Preston' last='Minor'] DL   Minor was one of the main contributors on the defensive front last season and we could see that can be the case again. He added 45 tackles, six tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in 10 games but was just scratching the surface of his talent. He's quick off the edge and can read and react quickly in every situation. We believe he can increase his sack numbers and help close down one side of the line of scrimmage.   Ben Cowart OL   The Gators were senior heavy along the offensive line but Cowart settled in at right guard and proved to be a difference-maker.  He displays good strength and footwork. He helped River Bluff rush for over 2,200 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns. Cowart's passing blocking improved as the season progressed. He was good at using leverage and technique to go along with his raw power.

LEXINGTON | It was a new era around River Bluff football in 2025 and while the results were mixed, the future seems bright.