Colin Wright set the single-game passing record at Ridley H.S. last fall. He is, unquestionably, the leader of an otherwise inexperienced Ridley offense.
(Photo courtesy of Delconewsnetwork.com)
Coach: Dennis Decker (Fifth season)
2012 Record: 11-1 (9-0 Central League)
Opening Night: Glen Mills
2012 In Two Sentences: Another Central League championship and undefeated regular season was overshadowed by a disappointing, second-round exit in the District One Class AAAA playoffs. For the graduating seniors, their District One first-round victory was their first and only playoff win.
Key Departures: Mike Crowley (WR/DB/PR), Shane Dougherty (LB), Matt Sinex (OL/DL), Steve Plousis (OL/DL), Darren Washington (RB).
Looking Ahead: Twenty-three. That’s the number of seniors Decker lost from last year’s squad. The team is as green as ever under Decker’s watch. He has three returning starters in QB Colin Wright, LB Jabree Savoy and LB/TE Lou Harrison. The biggest concern is offensive line. Can a bunch of JV players from last year develop into quality varsity players and provide consistent protection for Wright, who figures to be one of the top passers in Delco? Time will tell. Ridley is moving back to a spread offense with three-and four-receiver sets.
Players to Watch: Harrison has been a starter for parts of two full seasons. He’s played alongside two-time All-Delco Shane Dougherty, which means he should be more than ready to fill that void. Harrison has good size and muscle, and should be a terrorizing force in Ralph Batty’s 3-4 defense. Matt Borchert, a dependable No. 3 receiver last fall, should be Wright’s top target.
Coach’s Corner: “We have only three returning starters and our biggest concern is offensive and defensive line. It helps to have a returning quarterback; it makes things a little easier on offense,” Decker said. “We’re just very inexperienced at this time. We’re taking things very slowly, seeing what these new guys pick up and just gradually adding things as we go along. We were very senior-laden last year and these guys this year relied on those guys — guys like Shane Dougherty, Matt Sinex and Steve Plousis. Those guys aren’t around this year, so we have to find new guys who can step up and get the job done.”
