THREE RIVERS AREA — For a first-year football program, success is usually measured in progress made toward just being competitive rather than wins and losses. Winning just one game can be a big accomplishment. By those standards, one could say the Riverview Raiders were one of the most successful programs in the state in 2008.
Head coach Stuart Hill led his upstart program to a 5-6 record and a playoff berth in its first season of varsity play. It's something, he said, that the school is very proud of.
"Our main goal was to make the playoffs," Hill said. "We wanted to be one of the first to make the playoffs in the first year. It's something that these kids can be proud of for yearsto come." The first-round playoff loss to Earle didn't dampen the spirits of the team. In fact, it has given the 12 seniors and 14 returning starters a new goal of getting the school's first playoff win.
One of those seniors is quarterback Grafton Harrell (6-1, 180), who will be counted on to lead the offense again. Harrell accounted for 26 total touchdowns while passing for 1,051 yards and rushing for 1,138.
"He's a big part of our offense," Hill said. "He's a great leader and everyone follows him.
He's very smart, has close to a 4.0 GPA. He's just a great kid." Hill said they don't want to rely on Harrell to run as much this season. He hopes senior Dillon Chandler and junior Broderick McGahee can fill the role at running back. Transfers Maurice Alexander (Augusta) and Eric Willis (Searcy) could also contribute.
"There's not a lot of speed back there," Hill admitted, "but it's good enough to win. They know the offense and will help this team."
Ben Overstreet and Zach Feagin return to lead the receiving corps. Overstreet led the team last season with 31 catches for 401 yards and three scores. This group, which includes Cody Hampton and Josh Roach, has been working hard in 7-on-7. Hill said they will be relied on to improve pass efficiency and block for the running game.
All-conference center Stetson Evans (6-2, 235) returns along with senior Ryan Williams (5-8, 190) to lead the offensive line. Dale Goff will also start and several others are competing for playing time, Hill said.
A strength for the Raiders this season will be the defensive line. Evans and McGahee move over and join returning starter Brian Williams and Chace Hutton.
"This is the position we are deepest," Hill said. "We'll play a lot of people here that have talent. They need to be the leader of this defense."
Chayse Parson is back at one linebacker position after an all-conference sophomore season. Juniors Dylan Johnson and Jordan Daniels will start at the other spots.
Hill is counting on that front seven to carry the defense while the secondary develops. The Raiders are replacing a lot of starters and have little experience in the defensive backfield. Four offensive starters are the four leading candidates to start. Harrell, Willis, Feagin and Roach are likely to get the most action but it is still open for competition, Hill said. It is his main area of concern.
Hill said despite that, he believes his defense can get the job done. If the offense can continue to improve, the team has a great opportunity to meet its second-season goals.
"We just want to build on the success of last year," Hill said. "This group of seniors have been playing together since eighth grade, so they want to finish strong. They want to fight for a conference title and get the school's first playoff win."
RIVERVIEW RAIDERS
Sept. 4......... at Marked
Tree Sept. 11................... Carlisle
Sept. 18............... Harrisburg
Sept. 25......... at Mayfl ower*
Oct. 2.................. Rose Bud*
Oct. 9................ at Brinkley*
Oct. 16............... Episcopal*
Oct. 23 at Harding Academy*
Oct. 30.................... Barton*
Nov. 5.............. at England*
Special, Pages 163, 164 on 08/23/2009