Football Preview: Riverview High

With 14 underclassmen on its roster, the Riverview High football team lacks experience on both sides of the ball. 

But the enthusiasm the Rams displayed throughout the offseason has coach Todd Johnson excited about the year ahead. 

Riverview adds four new opponents to its district schedule this season, including Steinbrenner, Riverview, Lithia Newsome and Tampa Alonso. The seven-team district also features a pair of familiar opponents in Manatee and Palm Harbor University. 

The Rams played several close games last season — five of which were determined by a touchdown or less — but were unable to post a district victory. 

Riverview should be able to find a way to score this season with the addition of former Cardinal Mooney coach Josh Smithers, who is now the Rams offensive coordinator. 

Senior Dominic Caldwell returns under center this season and, and with a year under his belt, will be called upon to lead an offense that averaged 24 points a game. 

Junior Areon Green and freshman Ali Boyce will split time in the backfield, as the Rams look to replace standout running back and leader Karan Higdon, who is now at Michigan. 

Defensively, junior defensive back Zahondri Jackson returns to lead a defense that allowed at least 35 points in five games last season. The addition of safety Vince Sellers Jr., a transfer from Booker High, should provide a significant boost to Riverview’s defense, as the Rams look to make their mark in the district. 

Riverview has made the playoffs just once in the last six years; but after turning over half of its schedule this season to make way for district contests, the Rams coaching staff is looking forward to seeing how the players respond this season. 

Over the next week, we’ll be going inside the huddle with three more area football teams, as they prepare for the start of the regular season, which officially kicks off Aug. 28.

This week, the Observer takes an in depth look at Riverview and its goals for the upcoming season. 

You’ll learn how the familiarity of the past is fueling Sellers Jr. on the field and why Johnson views the Rams youth as their biggest strength.

THE BASICS

Riverview High 

1 Ram Way, Sarasota 

Mascot: Rams

Colors: Maroon and white 

2014 Record: 4-6

SCHEDULE 

Class 8A-District 6

*Denotes district game

**All games start at 7:30 p.m. 

Aug. 28 vs. Booker 

Sept. 4 at Tampa Catholic 

Sept. 11 at Venice 

Sept. 18 at Steinbrenner*

Sept. 25 vs. Palm Harbor University*

Oct. 2 vs. BYE 

Oct. 9 vs. Riverview*

Oct. 16 vs. Manatee*

Oct. 23 at Newsome*

Oct. 30 at Tampa Alonso*

Nov. 6 vs. Sarasota 

BY THE NUMBERS 

2 — Years it has been since Riverview made the playoffs. 

5 — Games that were decided by a touchdown or less last season. 

0 — District games the Rams won last season. 

6 — District games Riverview will play this season. 

24 — Points per game Riverview averaged last season. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Zahondri Jackson, junior, defensive back

Dominic Caldwell, senior, quarterback

Vince Sellers Jr., junior, safety

Areon Green, junior, running back and wide receiver 

Ali Boyce, freshman, running back 

UNDER THE HEADSET

Todd Johnson, fifth year 

What are your thoughts on this year’s team?

“This is a feisty little group. They are very young and inexperienced, but I’m excited about it. They are eager to be here and have been picking up what coach Smithers and what coach Smith are trying to do. They are a fun group of kids to be around and they are very receptive to coaching.” 

What are your expectations for this season?

“I expect us to battle and to compete in every game and to handle whatever the coaches and the season throws at them. Hopefully we can get back to the playoffs like we did two years ago if we stick together as a team.” 

What is the strength of this year’s team?

“I would say our youth. A lot of times that can be a negative, but these guys are eager. Right now, they are playing above their grade level and they know that we’re going to be counting on them. Knowing they are so young, we’ve still got a ways to go, but we’ve seen a big improvement from the spring to now. Coach Smithers wasn’t able to be with us a lot during the spring, but he’s here full-time now, and that’s made a big difference.” 

What’s the one area that you’re looking to improve on the most from last season?

“We need to be sound and not make pre-snap mistakes and the mental mistakes. We can’t hurt ourselves.”