Photo By Kelly Magee - #5 Cole McDonald
Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Bishop Kelly
2. Middleton
3. Emmett
4. Vallivue
5. Nampa
6. Columbia
7. Ridgevue
8. Caldwell
Written by: Adam Bridges
Down years strike every team eventually, and only a few teams are lucky enough to never go through that experience. Ridgevue was not that lucky a year ago, but hopes to put last season in the past and have a better season this upcoming football year.
After underperforming last year, Ridgevue plans to regroup and try to get their team on the right track. The Warhawks finished 2-6 last year. That record isn’t great, but it is certainly not the worst. Luckily, the team has another shot this year to prove something to every team in their division and finish this season strong.
This team has quite a few returning players this year. These players look to pick up the leadership role and steer their team in the right direction. These players include senior quarterback Cole McDonald, senior offensive and defensive lineman Massimo Valle, senior wide receiver and defensive back Jake Kachur, junior defensive back Trevor Warren, and senior inside linebackers Zach Saulls and Juan Santiago.
Along with these returning impact players, the team also has players that are new to the team that are looking to step up as leaders. These players include junior wide receiver and defensive back Angel Ortega, and junior linebackers and tight ends Luke Nelson and Jake Nelson.
“These 3 players moved in from out of state last school year and have been working hard for us this summer,” said Warhawks head coach Tom DeWitz.
This Warhawks offense is coming back ready and healthier than ever this football season. Ridgevue lost Cole McDonald, their starting quarterback, last year and the offense did not perform the same without him. This year, McDonald will return better than ever and will attempt to spark energy into the Warhawks offense.
Other than McDonald there aren’t many players with a ton of varsity experience on the offense. The three players with the most experience behind McDonald are junior wide receiver Jaxson Bauscher, senior offensive lineman Massimo Valle, and junior offensive lineman Demond Portis.
“McDonald getting hurt at quarterback last season really hurt our offensive numbers. Him being healthy, productive, and being able to make good decisions will give us a great start for us improving offensively,” said DeWitz.
On the defensive side of the ball, Ridgevue has the potential to succeed and make every offense fear them. Their defense is anchored down by their two senior inside linebackers Zach Saulls and Juan Santiago. They will be the key to Ridgevue’s defensive success this year. They also have a rising star in junior defensive back Trevor Warren, and he will also have a huge role in how the season plays out this year.
The biggest downside to this team is their lack of incredible star power. Most teams nowadays tend to have at least one superstar level player and ask for them to carry the team. Unfortunately, Ridgevue does not have that luxury and will have to rely on every player to fulfill their role if they want to have a chance to succeed this year.
“We don’t have any returning statistical stars or all-league players. Our ability to play together and execute as a team is how we will be successful. Team chemistry is our X-factor,” said DeWitz.
It will not be easy, but if the Warhawks can stick together as a team and have every single player play to the best of their abilities every single down, this team will be dangerous and successful this upcoming season.