2009 Football Preview: Rutherford skill players lead the way (See Schedule, Photos, Video)
SPRINGFIELD — It takes only a cursory glance at Rutherford’s 2008 statistical leaders to figure out the pulse and strength of this season’s squad.
Familiar names such as Cordarryl Rogers, Nick Smith and Dieton West paced the Rams in rushing, receiving, passing, scoring and return yards. They are back for a final season, their fourth as starters.
All are legitimate college prospects, but the Rams’ legs are not an issue. It’s their biceps.
Greg Rivers boasts a stable of skill players entering his fifth season as head coach. Whether or not they can be protected and escorted by a capable offensive line will be critical to continued success. That and how well the Rams’ front eight can defend.
Rutherford has seven starters returning on offense. The exceptions are across the front.
“If we can get a body on a body for three or four seconds, we have backs and receivers who can make things happen,” Rivers said. “Or if they can just get in somebody’s way for two or three seconds.”
Rogers accounted for 24 touchdowns, 15 of them rushing, and 1,924 total yards, narrowly missing out on 1,000-yard seasons both rushing and passing.
Smith added 533 rushing, 130 receiving, eight TDs and 283 return yards. West (22-372) was the leading receiver and Kirkland Raibon raised expectations in the slot as a runner and receiver. Javien Elliott and Mosley transfer Tevon Ross add talented depth at receiver.
The success of Rutherford’s spread attack starts with Rogers and his incredible ability to make plays.
“He’s been great for us, but there’s always room for improvement,” Rivers said. “He can get better at throwing the ball away, or making the right read.”
Rutherford’s spread enables Rogers, 5-foot-7, to pinpoint receivers without having to peer over linemen. Because of his size, Rivers said, colleges have shown an interest in Rogers as a defensive back, and he will be used there in key situations.
Two-way tackle Sean Watson, 6-3, 285, is another college prospect, especially, Rivers said, on offense because of his agility and speed.
Because the Rams attack by finesse rather than brute force, it could enhance the transition of first-year starters in the line and their replacements.
Newcomers Aerian Lawrence (6-2, 250) and Wilbert Carter (6-0, 240) have been running at guard, Brett Moore (6-4, 270) is opposite Watson at tackle and Charles Collins (6-2, 205) is the center.
They could be spelled by Wisconsin transfer Tony Polhe (6-0, 290) and Carnelle Horimoto (5-11, 250). The same players are involved in the rotation at defensive line.
As many as six or seven players could be used extensively on both sides of the ball, so rotations at some skill positions also will be critical.
With 19 seniors and a roster of 42 players, both high for the Rams, their 5-4 mark in 2008 could provide a springboard.
“It gave the coaches a springboard, hopefully the players feel the same way,” Rivers said. “Our word this season is finish. We didn’t finish the last two (district games) like we wanted to.”
An eight-school district could provide the luxury of a district loss or two not providing a playoff knockout. The schedule isn’t particularly favorable, the Rams opening with difficult District 1-3A tests on the road at Choctawhatchee and Washington.
“We sat down at the district meeting and pulled them out of a hat,” Rivers said. “You’ve got to win at home and you’ve got to win on the road to be a good football team.”
The loss of accomplished soccer player Cory Robertson left a void in the kicking game. Rivers said Wes Brown and Josh Williams have been competing to fill it.
Linebacker is more critical, he said. Michael Bass (36 tackles) returns in the middle and Smith (44, 4 sacks) should play a lot outside. Zach Degraff is another varsity veteran.
Watson (62 tackles, 5 sacks) also is a playmaker on defense. Three-year starter Chris Searles (67 tackles), Raibon (35) and West (33) are mainstays in the secondary.
