Over the next couple weeks we will take you inside training camp of your favorite Delco team. For full reports on every team, make sure to check out our annual football preview guide, due out Aug. 30.
1. Who is the starting quarterback?
The Ridley community might not want to know this answer. As of Thursday, Dennis Decker remained undecided. Heck, it’s still very early in camp, but it sure is odd that we have to ask this question, right? Decker knows all about the deep-rooted tradition of great QBs at Ridley, and it’s his job to develop one.
Senior Ed Hild and junior Colin Wright are battling for the No. 1 position. Hild backed up Matt Davis last year. Both signal callers lack playing experience on the varsity level.
2. What is the team’s biggest strength?
Decker says it’s his offensive and defensive lines, which include four returning starters. Matt Sinex will start a left tackle. SInex was one of the best OLs in the Central League as a junior.
Ridley should be pretty solid at linebacker, as well, with returning All-Delco Shane Dougherty leading the way. Lou Harrison showed flashes as a part-timer last year and Decker believes he is due for a big year alongside Dougherty. I remember Harrison having a breakout game vs. Interboro on Thanksgiving.
3. How will Ridley make up for the loss of RB/LB Jalen Randolph?
Rich Coia is a strong candidate to take most of the reps at RB. Coia stands at 5-7, but don’t be fooled by his diminutive height. He stays low to the ground and hits hard. Shane Dougherty knows first hand.
“He’s one of the hardest running backs to bring down,” Dougherty said.
Decker expects a running back by-committee operation.
Biggest Strength: Offensive and defensive lines.
Biggest Question: Quarterback conundrum.
