Warriors look to rebound

MURFREESBORO – A 4-6 season is not the norm at Riverdale.

The Warriors missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008 a year ago, in what was their first losing season since 1990. However, Riverdale returns several key players from a squad that entered the offseason with three wins in its final four games.

“We’ve got a lot back, but we’re still young,” Riverdale coach Ron Aydelott said. “We don’t have a senior at tailback, there is one at quarterback. We’re still very, very young, which is good for next year. Whether it’s good for this year we’ll find out.”

For the first time since Aydelott arrived in Murfreesboro nine years ago, the Warriors will have a new offensive scheme. Riverdale implemented a read-option spread offense to replace the Wing-T offense that teams had become accustomed to defending each season.

OFFENSE

Riverdale enters the season with more depth at quarterback than it has had in several years.

The Warriors return starter Marqwell Odom, backup Preston Barge and have Cane Ridge transfer Cortland Owens taking snaps. Owens and Odom will each likely see time at quarterback.

And when Owens is in, Odom and Barge both may be on the field as receivers.

Riverdale returns its top four running backs from a year ago. However, leading rusher Austin McGrone, who is coming off a knee injury, has become a receiver.

McGrone had 537 yards rushing a year ago. Artavious Collier is the likely starter at running back. Collier rushed for 428 yards in 2013.

Austin Bryant (307 rushing yards) had a strong offseason and provides a physical runner along with Chanton Pace (324 rushing yards).

Montori Wilkerson also will get a chance to run the ball.

McGrone and Marquise Cantrell are the likely top receivers.

Trenton Brewington also will be in the mix.

On the line, Nick Boykin will start at left tackle. He’ll be joined by left guard Brycin Golden, center Sam Glasgow, Alex Delpozo at right guard, Austin Beavers at right tackle and a combination of Ben Wells and Canaan Owens at H-back.

DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS

The front line of the Warriors’ 3-4 defense will likely be anchored by Ethan Aurand at nose guard. Austin Ross and Seth Black are slated to play at end.

Wells, a three-year starter at inside linebacker along with senior Baker Schott provide experience. Jalon Baker and Canaan Owens will be on the outside. McGrone could also play on the outside.

The secondary is young, but experienced since they played as freshmen.

Sophomores Gentry Bonds and Odom are slated at corner. Barge, a sophomore, will start at free safety and Mic’kal Ladd, a junior, is at the other safety spot.

Kyle Bennett returns as the team’s punter/kicker.

Bennett, who is also a soccer standout, averaged 32.5 yards a punt. He scored 26 points on PATs.

Contact Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 or tkreager@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kreager.

COACHING STAFF

Ron Aydelott

Head coach, offensive coordinator

Chaz Denton

Defensive line

Jason Dobbs

Offensive line

Wesley Duncan

Tight Ends

Rickey Field

Wide Receivers

Gerald Griffin

Corner backs

Kelly Holcomb

Quarterbacks

Will Kriesky

Defensive backs

Nate Paris

Freshman coach

Josh Pelchat

Running backs

Steve McClanahan

Outside Linebackers

Bobby Wells

Defensive coordinator/middle linebackers