By: Krissy Hetherington
It’s (almost) that time again. Friday night lights begin in about a week. But before that, we have to take a few steps back and analyze summer passing leagues, new coach philosophies, and a whole new varsity squad including some key players and new faces.
Before school even started, Varsity football was busy over summer. All three levels of Redwood football participated in summer passing league tournaments and a collection of competitions. The boys also gained strength by working out in the weight room and also on their own. Varsity participated and won the Hanford passing tournament in June and took fourth in Redwood’s Rodger Kelly passing tournament The linemen also took first place in Rodger Kelly linemen competition. The team traveled to Arroyo Grande for a two day tournament where they were able to showcase what they’ve practiced all summer and prove they can keep up with West Coast schools.
In between summer and school, Redwood hosted a Blue vs. White scrimmage within the varsity team and were able to practice plays, try out different strings of players, and work on special teams. One player in particular really stood out to new head coach, Kevin Scharton. This player being upcoming starting quarterback Ryan Rios, ’20, “He takes control of offense, and really knows how to lead, he has room to grow during season but he’s able to get people the ball.”
As well as Rios, Scharton was impressed by the energy and culture the team came out with from the very beginning, “We have a very talented and deep team going into season and I’m excited about the energy this team has during practice and looking forward to each competition we go into.”
On Friday, August 16th, Redwood had their first glimpse of the season with a scrimmage at Sanger High School. Although it was simply for practice scenarios neither team took it lightly and both teams showed great performances. There were some notable plays that really impressed me personally and proved Redwood is ready to compete this 2019 season.
Before time was added to the scrimmage, the teams took turns practicing their special teams and going through routes and plays. On one play, Sam Olson, ’20, received a hand off from Ryan Rios, ’20, and was able to run it all the way for a 60 yard touchdown with help from strong blocking from players like Reid Terry, ’21. While practicing kick returns, Malachi Aguilar, ’20, was able to run it all the way back for a touchdown showing great endurance and speed.
During the 12 minute periods, lots of action went on back and forth but Redwood seemed to be in control the whole time both on offense and defense. With 4:45 left of the first period, Rios connects with Terry on a 45 yard pass. Then the very next play, James Richardson broke away for a 25 yard touchdown. At the very end of the second period Diamond Davis, ’20, ran the ball back for the second touchdown and Terry’s field goal was good.
On behalf of the scrimmage, Scharton was overall happy with the outcome, “We outplayed them in many situations, although we made mistakes, it showed we could get better and we were still successful, special teams look well.” His goals for the team this year include “[getting] everything we can out of our kids in practice and games. If we work hard it will always show on Friday nights at games, we’re going to take it one week at a time, win each game and see where we’re at in the end in terms of league and of course the end goal of a Valley Championship.”
Key standouts include Brian Brown, 20, receiver as well as Reid Terry, ’21, and Christian Roldan, ’21. Caden Shafer, ’21, and James Richardson, ’20, as strong running backs on offense, and defensive standouts include Dominick McCormack, ’21, as safety, and Quinton Johnson, ’20, Malachi Aguilar, ’20, and Mitchell Wilson, ’21. And finally, what Scharton calls a “secret weapon,” Sam Olson, ’20, who really impressed him through the receptions and touchdowns as well as yards he gained throughout summer and the scrimmages.
Season and home opener on Friday, August 30th, will kick off at 7:30 in the Mineral King Bowl against Dinuba High School which should get interesting as Scharton takes on his former school as his first game here at Redwood. Make sure to support our Boys in Blue and let’s pack the stands this year for our Redwood Rangers!