Redwood Tackle Football Dominates in First Ever Game Against CVC 50-23

On Friday, September 25th, Redwood tackle football defeated CVC in their league opener in a dominant 50-23 victory, improving to 5-0.

By Fabian Anguiano

Wide receiver Ollie Richardson ‘27, put up a season-high five receptions for fifty-five yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his elite hands and yards after the catch.

To put a performance like that in the first-ever game against CVC felt, “Great knowing they waited all this time just to get whooped on. They talked a lot of trash. We wanted this one more than they did, and we showed it,” said Richardson

Richardson’s second touchdown was critical as there were three seconds left in the first half with the Rangers up 14-9; Richardson would run a fade route, and he would climb the ladder over the cornerback’s head to extend the Rangers’ lead right to thirteen at the end of the first half.

Richardson believes he needs to be more conditioned, as he believes the team needs him for other things.

One thing Richardson believes the team needs to improve on as a whole is, “I think we just can’t get down after one bad play. Just after every play keep our heads up. Look forward. Just keep moving on,” said Richardson.

With a solid opponent in Tulare Union being their next opponent, Richardson and the team will prepare by simply having good practices and making sure they are disciplined.

On just the third play of the game, CVC quarterback Nathan Peters ‘27, would throw the ball right to Redwood cornerback London Butler ‘27, who would take it all the way to the house for a pick-six, giving the Rangers a 7-0 lead early

For Redwood defensive coordinator David Clements, this gave the team momentum, “Anytime you start like that it creates momentum, especially on the defensive side of the ball. It’s exciting as well,” said Clements.

With the Rangers committing early mistakes and trailing 9-7 in the first quarter such as bad snaps, fumbles and other miscues which at moments gave the Cavaliers good field position.

Besides all the mistakes, the defense was able to fight through adversity thanks to their talent. They have played a good number of games in a row where they have given up few points.

The main coverage that was prioritized against CVC was mainly Man Coverage. They played a five-man front initially since they run the ball often, and they mainly played Cover 3 behind it.

On passing downs, they would sub out and play a four-man front, and they would play Cover 2 principles.

What Clements believes the defense does best overall is stopping the run. Clements emphasizes that stopping the run is very important, as teams have a tendency to get predictable. 

Something that Clements believes the team needs to improve as a whole is that they have to stop committing penalties. The Rangers as a whole had over 100 yards in penalties against CVC. 

Clements emphasizes that the team needs to control their emotions; it’s okay to celebrate with teammates, but not in a way that ends with a 15-yard penalty.

With the Rangers facing a solid team in Tulare Union next, they are going to primarily focus on stopping star wide receiver Demaje Riley and also focusing on the pass defense, as in the past two games the Tribe has thrown for over 500 yards.

The Rangers game against Tulare Union will be the annual homecoming game on Friday, October 2nd.

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