Despite the challenges of replacing key graduates and integrating new faces, Spudders head coach Scott Rice sees great potential in their new team leadership.
Ridgefield will see a mix of returning talent and fresh players stepping into crucial roles this year on the gridiron. Rice said the challenge will be filling the gaps left by graduates while harnessing the energy and potential of their younger players.
“We’ve got to solidify an offensive line right now. While we didn’t graduate everybody, we graduated three of five, and that’s a lot to replace,” Rice said. “We have some really talented young guys that are gonna have to prove themselves, especially in those first two or three weeks.”
The leadership on the team is starting to take shape, with a few players emerging as key figures who will guide their teammates through the season. The Spudders will rely on returning players including defensive tackle River Leeling and running back Colt Couch. Quarterback Landon Debeaumont will replace the team’s two starting quarterbacks, who graduated last season.
“There’s a lot of good energy, more than in the last couple of years coming out of COVID where it’s been kind of quiet and ‘who’s going to lead the group, who’s not gonna lead the group?’ I think we’re quickly finding out that there are five or six guys that are gonna run our team, but we gotta figure it out,” Rice said.
Ridgefield’s journey this season in league will begin with a challenging matchup against Hockinson, a game that promises to test the Spudders right out of the gate. The early part of the season is crucial, with each week presenting well-prepared opponents who will demand the best from Rice’s squad. He is optimistic, stating the effort put into solidifying the team will pay off as the season progresses.
“We’re excited about the team, excited about this crew and what we’ve got going. I think we’re gonna do some really good things,” Rice said. “It’s just a matter of figuring out all the pieces, getting them where they need to be, and then once we figure that out, I think we’re gonna be ready to rock and roll.”
