Hutson, Riverdale offense 'catching up' to high expectations

Last season, Riverdale's football team looked explosive at times on offense but lacked consistency throughout the season.

The Warriors topped 40 points four times but also scored less than 20 points in four other games.

With a bevy of talented skill players returning, Coach Will Kriesky hopes the 2017 Warriors keep the scoring closer to the former than the latter.

"We have a lot of our top guys back on offense...there are high expectations," said Kriesky, whose squad went 6-6 last season, reaching the second round of the 6A state playoffs.

Riverdale got a taste of what some of those skill players could do during the Warrior 7-on-7 Challenge Thursday.

The Warriors reached the quarterfinals of the bracket round before falling to Independence 20-14. For the day, Riverdale was 3-2-2.

"I thought we made some good plays today," said Riverdale senior receiver Troy Hutson.

Hutson has been chomping at the bit to get back in live action after missing most of last season with a broken scapula. He transferred to Riverdale from Oakland prior to his junior season.

"I'm recovered, back and healthy," said Hutson, who worked his way back into shape during the spring, competing with the Riverdale track team. "Running with Coach (Rickey) Field during the spring was really big for me.

"Last year was really disappointing. (Football) is pretty much my life, and missing most of the season was a big deal."

Kriesky believes getting an athlete of Hutson's caliber back can only make the Warrior offense that much better.

"He played exceptionally well (Thursday)," Kriesky said. "He made some really good plays in clutch situations from the inside slot receiver position."

Riverdale returns signal caller Christian Souffrant along with both of its top running backs - seniors Michael Scruggs and Savion Davis. Scruggs is coming off a state championship in the 100 meter dash during the spring.

"Hopefully, we'll get (Scruggs) out there one-on-one against some linebackers," Kriesky said. "Souffrant got better as the day went along. He made some better decisions."

Scruggs had a pair of 200-yard games late last season after missing much of the first half with an injury. Davis was the team's workhorse in the backfield much of the season and had a good spring.

Hutson and Louisville commitment Jarek Campbell both made big catches Thursday and should anchor the receiving corps. Both also played well in the secondary, which was hit hard by graduation (including current Georgia Tech safety Gentry Bonds).

"We're replacing a lot of guys," Kriesky said. "Guys are going to have to step up. Our offense should be ahead of our defense."

Added Hutson, "I think our offense can be as good as we want it to be. We have a lot of speed, a lot of playmakers. I'm catching up, trying to get back to form and learn the plays."

Blackman won the tournament, defeating Wilson Central 18-14 in the finals. Stewarts Creek received a bye before falling in the second round of bracket play. Smyrna dropped its bracket opener.

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.