GAINESVILLE — A new classification, a new region, and some key additions for Riverside Military Academy could be just the ingredients to help the Eagles turn the corner as a program.
The Eagles return 11 starters but a late addition in sophomore quarterback Isaac Teasley, who transfered from Gainesville in the summer, could be the piece that allows coach Kelly Davis and his staff to move other talented players back to their natural positions.
Senior Lyle Lopez and junior Javon Thompson were expected to battle at quarterback but will now slot in at receiver. Junior Juwan Thompson should get the bulk of the carries at running back with junior Jose Marrufo and freshman Lamar Gordan anchoring the line.
The defense returns five starters, led by Thompson at cornerback and sophomore safety Khalid Duke. Senior Miguel Meyer leads the linebackers but finding key guys up front will be a priority.
The Eagles open the season against 2015 Region 8-A champ Prince Avenue, expected to be ranked in the top five in preseason polls but then face games against Providence Christian, George Walton Academy and Towns County -- none of which posted winning records in 2015.
Davis said confidence is the final ingredient missing.
"The new region and classification should really benefit us because the key issue for us the last few years has been depth and finding those second-unit guys that can keep you in the game," he said. "We just didn't match up numbers-wise with a lot of the teams we were playing. Region 8-A is one of the toughest regions around but we feel like from a numbers standpoint we're competitive with most of the teams."
RIVERSIDE: NEED TO KNOW
- MASCOT: Eagles
- TEAM COLORS: Blue and White
- CURRENT REGION: 8-A
- HEAD COACH/RECORD AT SCHOOL: Kelly Davis, second season, 1-9
- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 1-9
- KEY LOSSES: QB Kaseem Duke, RB Brandon Taylor, OL/LB Marius Crumley, DL Elijah Watson, DL Tavarres Hooks
- OFFENSIVE STYLE: Pro-I/multiple -- The Eagles will look to pound the ball on the ground but will also spread teams out to make use of their athleticism on the perimeter.
- KEY OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: 6 returning starters -- So. QB Isaac Teasley, Jr. WR Javon Thompson, Jr. WR Charles Dimwaobi, Sr. ATH Lyle Lopez
- DEFENSIVE STYLE: 3-3 stack -- Riverside will blitz and pressure throughout the contest, looking to force opposing QBs into quick decisions.
- KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS: 5 returning starters -- Jr. CB Jawon Thompson, Sr. LB Miguel Meyer, So. S Khalid Duke
- SPECIAL TEAMS: Sr. PK/P Dmitri Burns, Jr. KR Jawon Thompson
- STRENGTH: Atheticism -- The Eagles could be explosive in 2016 at the skilled positions, especially at QB and WR.
- QUESTION: Line of scrimmage -- A young offensive line will need to gel as the season moves along.
- KEY GAMES: The Eagles will need wins against programs that have struggled in recent seasons -- Towns County, Lakeview, Providence Christian -- in Region 8-A to have a shot at the playoffs.
- TRENDING: Riverside has not posted a winning season since 2008 and last reached the playoffs in 2009. That said, the numbers continue to grow in the program and the Eagles appear on an upward trajectory. Moving down into Class A should also be a benefit, as they will be on a more competitive footing. Some early confidence could be the key to the Eagles finally turning the corner.
2016 SCHEDULE
Aug. 26 vs. *Prince Avenue Christian
Sept. 2 vs. *Providence Christian
Sept. 9 at *George Walton Academy
Sept. 16 at *Towns County
Sept. 23 vs. *Hebron Christian
Sept. 30 vs. *Athens Academy
Oct. 14 vs. *Commerce
Oct. 21 at Georgia Military
Oct. 28 vs. *Athens Christian
Nov. 4 at *Lakeview Academy
*- Indicates region contest
(All kickoffs scheduled for 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted)
