RIDGEWAY FOOTBALL

Sutton Is The Choice

Duron Sutton is the new head football coach for Ridgeway. The former Kingsbury coach will takeover the program after the resignation of Rod Brown who accepted the position of Assistant Strength and Conditioning coach at the University of Memphis. Sutton is also a former standout player at the University of Memphis. We'll have more information about Coach Sutton and his plans for the 2010 season soon.

Former Tiger Duron Sutton takes football job at Ridgeway

From The Commercial Appeal

After he introduced himself to the Ridgeway football team for the first time Tuesday, Duron Sutton was asked by a player how long he planned to remain at the school.  It was a fair question considering Sutton, a former head coach at Kingsbury, will become the Roadrunners' fifth head coach since 2006 when he begins work full time at Ridgeway this fall.

"I hope it's important to them. I have their best interests at heart and I want to be here," said Sutton, 35, who replaces Rod Brown. Brown, who, like Sutton, was a former standout player at the University of Memphis, left Ridgeway in February after two seasons to pursue a college coaching career.

Sutton, a member of the 1996 Memphis football team that upset sixth-ranked Tennessee, was 52-52 in nine seasons as Kingsbury's head coach from 2000-08. He led the Falcons to eight playoff appearances, including a state semifinals appearance in 2004.  "Sometimes you need to separate yourself from something, and that was one of those cases," Sutton said of his time at Kingsbury. "I feel like I'm wanted here and I hope I'm needed here."

Roadrunners Looking for Football Coach

From The Commercial Appeal

Ridgeway Principal Jim Long is looking for a head football coach -- again. Second-year Roadrunners coach Rod Brown informed Long and the team last week he intends to pursue a college coaching position, including a possible opportunity at the University of Memphis, Brown's alma mater. Brown, who guided Ridgeway to a pair of playoff appearances, was Ridgeway's fourth head football coach since 2006, when longtime Roadrunners head coach John Cooley, now the head coach at Horn Lake, retired from Memphis City Schools. After Cooley came Joe Lee Dunn, who left the program after one season to become defensive coordinator at New Mexico State. (Dunn is now at McMurry University in Abilene, Texas.) Then there was Tim Thompson, the controversial and highly successful former Melrose coach whom Long made Ridgeway's interim coach in January 2008. Thompson didn't last a season. He was let go four months later for spring practice violations and replaced by Brown.

"This will be the fourth or fifth one in four years," Long said. "They've all been pretty good, with one little hiccup. But again, we're looking for somebody who's got the ability to develop young athletes into young men; somebody with a lot of character and integrity who can manage a large, successful program." Brown, who, before his time at Ridgeway served for 10 years as White Station Middle School's head coach, said he cried when he told Ridgeway players last week that he wasn't returning this fall.

"I shed a couple of tears while I was talking to them, man, because, just the look in their eyes, and to know that we'd gone through those battles to get to where we are right now," Brown said. "Mr. Long's been nothing but great from the time I got there as far as being supportive and having the confidence in me to bring me up from a middle school head coach to a high school head coach. I'm really indebted to him. "I told (the players) there are some opportunities that are knocking on my door ... that I have to consider because they might not come back around again."

Coach Rod Brown is working hard to assist this year's seniors with finding opportunities to further their football careers. Good luck to all the senior players. We thank them for their fine careers at Ridgeway. We will be posting information about returning players and team activities during this off season.

Explosive Trio

photo by LC

Roadrunner Wide Receivers Tim Ford, Rodriques Wright and Walter Evans was at the basketball game to support the boys Ridgeway varsity basketball team at Germantown. These three WRs will be counted on to provide firepower and make big plays in the Roadrunner passing offense next season.

Roadrunners Fall 21-20 in Heartbreaking Fashion

Season starts and ends with 3 straight losses. Record 4-7

Season comes to an end with another tough loss to swallow

Story by LC     November 6, 2009

The Ridgeway Roadrunners 2009 football season ended tonight at Hardin County much the way it has ended too often this season, losing a game they were in firm control of and should have won. For most of this contest the Roadrunners were the better team. But for some reason the Roadrunners make critical mistakes at the absolute wrong time when the game is on the line. To the casual observer, its hard to understand how we lose these kind of games where we outplay the other team so clearly. Even some Hardin County fans and supporters approached me and said "thank you, they gave it to us".

Ridgeway took control of the game quickly by scoring on it's first two possesions. So. RB Jaylen Walton got the scoring started when he scampered 15 yards for a TD to make the score 7-0 with a beautiful 8 play 65 yard drive. After the defense forced a punt Ridgeway drove another 62 yards capped by Sr. RB Eric Whalums tough 20 run for a TD to make the score 14-0. With the defense holding Hardin on its next possesion it appeared Ridgeway would win this game easy.

But Hardin County scored mid-way through the 2nd quarter to make the score 14-7. Ridgeway's defense held Hardin on 4 plays inside the 10 yard line to keep the score 14-7 at the half. Hardin County took the opening drive of the second half 70 yards and tied the game at 14-14 on a QB sneak from the 1 yard line in the 3rd quarter. But at the start of the 4th Ridgeway took control again behind the running of Jaylen Walton and Eric Whalum. Whalum scored a TD on an incredible 30 yard TD run. But the extra point was blocked (which eventually cost the game) and Ridgeway took a 20-14 lead.

But the 4th quarter is winning time, and when the defense held Hardin County with 5:30 remaining in the game giving Ridgeway's offense the ball after a punt, the Roadrunners attempted a pass play from deep in their own territory at the 8 yard line and So. QB Jamil Goldens errant pass was picked off by the Hardin defender at the Ridgeway 20 yard line.  Now....Hardin had only 20 yards to move in for the kill, which they did scoring the TD in only two plays ro take a 21-20 lead. Ridgeway tried to respond with 2:58 to play but had to drive 75 yards. They moved into Hardin territory but failed to get a 4th and 8 at the Hardin 35 yard line when Sr. WR Desi J. Lane dropped the pass. Ridgeway would get it back with 56 seconds remaining but Jamil Golden tossed another interception and the game came to an end.

Parents console some Ridgeway players after the tough loss.

For the seniors it was the end of their prep football careers. Some players were visibly upset with the way this game was loss. Some just wanted to be left alone.

KIRBY 18, RIDGEWAY 3

Kirby / 0 / 6 / 6 / 6 / -- 18

Ridgeway / 3 / 0 / 0 / 0 / --  3

R -- Roberto Alfaro 24 FG

K -- Fred Plummer 31 pass from Deion Woods (kick failed)

K -- Fred Plummer 15 pass from Deion Woods (pass failed)

K -- Fred Plummer 4 pass from Deion Woods (pass failed)

First downs / K11 /R 7 /

Net yards rushing / K88 /R 59 /

Net yards passing /K 95 / R40 /

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING -- Kirby, Keenon Hall 16-62. Ridgeway, Sheldon Dawson 4-79.

PASSING -- Kirby, Deion Woods 6-11-95-0. Ridgeway, Jamil Golden 4-14-40-2, Javon Armour 0-1-0-0.

RECEIVING -- Kirby, Fred Plummer 5-82.

RECORDS -- Kirby 5-5 (5-2), Ridgeway 4-6 (3-4).

Germantown Pulls Out Last Chance Win 23-22

Roadrunners Blow 22-13 Lead in 4th Quarter

Both teams warm up before the contest. Ridgeway controlled the game for three quarters

Story by LC        October 24, 2009 

In what can only be described as a devastating gut wrenching loss, the Roadrunners played well enough to win for three and one half quarters. Then the Roadrunners found themselves with a chance to win the ballgame if they could just stop Germantown on 4th and 11 with the game on the line at 1:10 sec remaining. And much like the games against White Station and Houston the defense could not stop their opponent when they needed to most of all which was the 4th quarter on 4th down. It appeared as if Ridgeway would win easily as they took a 22-13 lead in the 4th quarter with about 9 minutes left in the game.

The scoring didn't start until the 2nd quarter when Ridgeway took a 3-0 lead with a FG. The defense held Germantown, but on Ridgeway's next possesion their punt attempt was blocked by Germantown and returned to the Roadrunner 3 yard line. Germantown punched it in on a QB sneak to take a 7-3 lead midway through the 2nd quarter. The Roadrunners bounced back when Jamil Golden found Rodriques Wright on a simple swing pass and Wright outraced the defenders down the sideline for a 65 yard catch and run TD and Ridgeway took a 9-7 lead into halftime.

Ridgeway WR Rod Wright scored on TDs of 65 and 50 yard pass plays. Wright had 4 catches for 140 yards and 2 TDs

Ridgeway's defense came up big in the third quarter when Germantown drove all the way down to the Roadrunners 1 yard line but Ridgeway's defense stiffened and stopped Germantown on 4th and goal from the 1 yard line. On Ridgeway's following possesion they drove 99 yards after a roughing the punter call and QB Jamil Golden found Rodrigues Wright again on a 50 yard TD play to give Ridgeway a 15-7 lead late in the third quarter. But Germantown came right back when their RB Sir Gregory Thorton ripped off a 69 yard run down to the 1 yard line and the Red Devils scored a quick TD to make the score 15-13.

The Roadrunners bounced back with the RBs doing most of the damage. A 45 yard TD run from So. Jaylen Walton was called back for holding on The Roadrunners. After Golden hit Wright again for a 12 yard gain on 3rd down, Ridgeway faced 4th and 3. Jamil Golden hit Eric Whalum on a swing pass and Whalum took the play 45 yards for a TD to make the score 22-13 with 8:00 mins. left in the game. Ridgeway forced another fumble from Germantown that was recovered by Desi T. Lane, but was unable to get points after being deep in Germantown territory. That's when Germantown begin it's comeback. Red Devils QB Justin Kemp raced 72 yards for a TD run off an option fake to make the score 22-20. Germantown then forced a punt from Ridgeway and the punt netted zero yards to give Germantown the ball at it's own 48 yard line. They drove slowly into the Roadrunners territory and Ridgeway forced 4th and 11 from the 35 yard line but allowed Germantown to connect for the first down getting into FG position. With 45 seconds left Germantown kicked a 33 yard FG to take a 23-22 lead. Ridgeway was unable to move offensively on its next possesion and the game ended. No doubt, this was a tough one to lose. Germantown's head coach was shocked how they were able to win, admitting that "Ridgeway outplayed us for most of the contest". The Red Devils (8-1, 6-0) are ranked 6th in the Commercial Appeal Dandy Dozen. Ridgeway missed two extra point attempts which ultimately came back to haunt them in the 1 point defeat.

Congrats to So. RB Jaylen Walton who surpassed 1,000 yards rushing on the season.

Several Roadrunners had outstanding performances including Jr. WR Rod Wright who had 4 catches for 140 yards and 2 TDs. Sr. RB Eric Whalum (my choice for team MVP) had 68 yards rushing and caught 3 passes for 64 yards and 1 TD. So. QB Jamil Golden enjoyed his best game of the season connecting for three (3) TDs with no picks. So. RB Jaylen Walton rushed for 96 yards and surpassed the 1,000 yard mark on the season. Ridgeway gained 350 yards of offense. Defensive standouts include Jr. LB Douglass McWhorter with 7 tackles, Jason Card with 5, and Justin Maclin with 6 tackles. William Brown and Desi T. Lane each recovered fumbles. Ridgeway falls to 4-5 on the season and takes on Kirby in the last regular season game.

SEE COMMERCIAL APPEAL ARTICLE

Ridgeway Defeats Southwind 9-7

Defense and Special Teams Reason for Win

Story by LC   October 16, 2009

On this cold and drizzly night, the Ridgeway Roadrunners squeeked out a 9-7 victory over Southwind behind two special team plays and timely defense. This game was a battle of field position as both offenses struggled to move the ball. There were more punts than first downs in the game. Both teams even turned the ball over on downs a few times as they were unable to get anything going offensively.

Sr. DB Brian Burns #27 recovered a fumble for Ridgeway's lone TD in the contest

Southwind scored their only points of the game on the opening drive when they moved 72 yards and connected for a 33 yard TD pass play on 4th and 10 to take the 7-0 lead. The score remain 7-0 until midway through the 4th quarter when Ridgeway's defense forced Southwind to punt deep in it's own territory. The punt was blocked....(not sure who blocked it)...and was recovered in the endzone by Sr. DB Brian Burns for a touchdown. Ridgeway took the lead later in the quarter when Southwind was attempting another punt and snapped the ball over the punters head who was tackled in the endzone for a 2 pt safety. Basically, that was all she wrote as the Roadrunner defense held the Southwind offense in check with less than 2 minutes to play to close out the victory.  Ridgeway improves to 4-4 on the season.

 

Jr. LB Douglass McWhorter (19) and So. DE Brandon Lewis (89) were key in stopping the Southwind offense.

Standout performances were turned in by Jr. LB Douglass McWhorter (11 tackles), Jr. LB Jason Card (7 tackles), Sr. DE Desi T. Lane (2 sacks), Sr. DB Brian Burns (4 tackles, TD), Jr DT Terrance Butler (5 tackles, 2 TFL), So. RB Jalen Walton and Sr. Eric Whalum had 98 and 55 yards rushing respectively. William Brown, Terrrious Tripplett and Reggie Edwards each played well and the Roadrunners got good production from So. DE Brandon Lewis and Sheldon Dawson. Highlights below.

Wooddale Defeats Ridgeway 36-14 on Homecoming Night

Fast Start Not Enough, Wooddale Too Much For Roadrunners

RB Coach Callie Talks to RBs Jaylen Walton and Eric Whalum

Running Backs Needed Help from Passing Game

Story by LC    Oct. 9, 2009

The Wooddale Cardinals ruined Ridgeway's homecoming with a powerful rushing attack in the second half of a contest that the Roadrunners led 14-8 at halftime. The Roadrunners took the lead 7-0 on the first drive of the game. So. RB Jaylen Walton returned the opening kickoff  48 yards inside Cardinal territory. After tough running from Sr. Eric Whalum and Walton, the Roadrunners drove to the Cardinals 1 yard line and So. QB Jamil Golden scored the TD from the one with a sneak.

 

Ridgeway's defense held the Cardinals for 2 straight possesions. After Ridgeway's offense was forced to punt deep in it's own territory midway through the first quarter, Wooddale blocked the kick and recovered at the Roadrunners 10 yard line. They scored on the very next play when Wooddale So. RB Jovon Robinson sliced around the right side for the TD. They also scored on the 2 pt conversion try to take a 8-7 lead. Ridgeway came back by driving 72 yards behind the running of Jaylen Walton and Eric Whalum. Whalum scored on an impressive 17 yard TD run in which he bounced outside and tip toe'd his way down the sideline for the score. It was Whalum's 8th TD this season.

Running back Eric Whalum continued his fine play against Wooddale by scoring another impressive rushing TD.

But the second half appeared to be a different game as Wooddale methodically took apart the Roadrunners with a punishing ground game which featured the motion option. After Wooddale tied the game in the 3rd quarter at 14, Ridgeway's defense seemed unable to stop the Cardinals from gaining hugh chunks of yards on the ground in the 4th. Woodale scored on the last 4 possesions to put the game out of reach. Ridgeway's offense was not able to generate any sustained drives in the second half and basically Wooddale controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Woodale improves to 6-1 and Ridgeway falls to 3-4 on the season. 

Three Wins In A Row

Roadrunners Defeat Overton 27-6, Improve to 3-3

Sr. DB Reginald Edwards and the defense forced 4 Overton turnovers

Story by LC    Oct. 3, 2009

The Ridgeway Roadrunners continued their winning ways by beating Overton 27-6 at Halle Stadium. It was the Homecoming game for Overton, but the Roadrunners took advantage of many miscues by Overton. Ridgeway's defense scored the first TD of the game on a fumble that was picked up by Ridgeway Jr. LB Lamandries Hawes and returned 30 yards for the score. It was the defense first TD of the season.

Overton scored their only points of the game on a 60 yard pass play to make the score 7-6. Ridgeway Jr WR  Rodriques Wright scored on an 11 yard TD catch from Jamil Golden to make the score 14-6. The Roadrunners went on to score two more TDs from Sr. RB Eric Whalum who played an outstanding all around contest rushing and receiving. Whalum scored on runs of 15 and 11 yards.

It was the first easy win of the season as the Roadrunners defense basically shutout Overton for the remainder of the game. The defense was led by DEs Justin Maclin and Desi T. Lane who pressured the Overton QB all night. Jr. LB Jason Card recovered a fumble and Sr. DB Reginald Edwards had an interception, his first of the season. It was a good win for Ridgeway who improved to 3-3 on the season. It was the third straight win for the Roadrunners who face Woodale next week in the Homecoming game.

Jr. LB Lamandries Hawes scored TD on fumble return

"Kaboom" Lightning Strike for Miracle Roadrunners Win

Game Highlights below          Read Commercial Appeal article

Ridgeway Defeats Melrose 21-19 in Heartstopper Contest 

Story by LC    September 25, 2009

In defeating Melrose 21-19 on tonight before a capacity crowd of close to 3,000, the Ridgeway Roadrunners learned the ultimate lesson, "IT AIN'T  OVER TIL IT'S OVER". In what can only be describe as a heartstopping contest, the Roadrunners pulled victory from the jaws of defeat on a miracle 75 yard touchdown pass from So. QB Jamil Golden on 4th and 10 (Ridgeway's last hope) that actually deflected through two (2) Golden Wildcat defenders who seemed so sure to pick the pass off, bounced off the 2nd defender's head and fell in the arms of Jr.WR Rodriques Wright who raced the ball 30 more yards into the endzone for the TD. It appeared Ridgeway was headed to certain defeat. Fans were actually leaving the stadium. When the TD occured it set off a thunderous round of screams and jubilation as I saw players drop to the ground in sheer joy and dis-belief. The Melrose fans were too shocked to believe it had really happened. Their players fell to the ground in agony, some in tears following the game. Both teams played their hearts out all night long. The game featured many big plays from Ridgeway and Melrose, who put up a helluva fight for sure. Coach Rod Brown said "I'm so proud of this team and the way they fought through adversity. We could have hung our heads, but we found a way to fight back and win. They got some breaks and we certainly got one in the end, so I guess it worked out evenly".

Jr WR Rodriques Wright caught the game winning 75 yard TD pass.

This game had so much emotion and drama it was dizzying. We'll begin from the start. Ridgeway took the opening kick-off back 45 yards on Eric Whalum's return to set up in Melrose territory. The drive culminated in a 17 yard TD pass from So. QB Jamil Golden to Sr. WR Desi J. Lane on 4th down. Roberto Alfaro's kick made the score 7-0 Ridgeway in the first. Ridgeway's defense held Melrose on 3 and out on the next possesion to force a punt, but the punt went straight up in the air and came down to touch a Ridgeway player, giving Melrose the ball again. But the defense held again behind the play of seniors DE Desi T Lane and LB Justin Maclin. Both teams defense played well all night causing turnovers, but gave up some big plays too.

Ridgeway Jr. LB Jason Card (35) was a force against Melrose with 6 tackles, 1 forced fumble and 1 sack.

Melrose tied the game when QB Jamil Golden's flare pass deflected off a Ridgeway receiver right into the hands of the Melrose DB who raced 25 yards for a TD to tie the game 7-7 late in the second quarter and the game was tied at the half with that score. In the 3rd quarter Ridgeway took the lead when they drove 80 yards with tough hard running and crisp passing from the offense. Sr RB Eric Whalum capped the drive with a 2 yard TD run up the middle making the score 14-7 Ridgeway at the end of three quarters. But give Melrose credit for making a comeback in the 4th quarter. They drove 75 yards, converting twice on 4th down (4th and 11) and then converting a beautifully thrown pass on 4th and 21 for a touchdown. Melrose's silky smooth QB was accurate and impressive all night in the contest with pin point passing when he had time. After Ridgeway's offense was stopped at the 6:00 minute mark, Melrose drove another 77 yard drive connecting on a rifle armed sideline pass of 45 yards on 4th and 17. The Melrose receiver beat two Ridgeway DBs and somehow manuevered for the TD down the sideline making the score 19-14 Melrose. Melrose defense held Ridgeway and forced the ball over on downs with only 2:20 to play in the game. But Ridgeway's defense stood strong again and forced a punt while using timeouts to stop the clock. Ridgeway got the ball back with 1:05 to play in the game. They missed on 3 straight pass attempts. Then, KABOOM lightning struck setting off the wild celebration. After the game players were held on the field for safety precautions as there was some type of disturbance or altercation as fans were leaving. No doubt a result of the way Ridgeway pulled out the victory. Obviously the Melrose fans were distraught.

DE Desi T. Lane played his most dominate game of the season recording 7 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 FF and 1 TFL

Many players deserve recognition for their outstanding play in the game. So. QB Jamil Golden tossed two (2) TDs, giving him 4 TDs in the last 3 games. WR Desi J. Lane had 4 catches (1TD). WR Rodriques Wright had 2 catches and the game winning 75 yard TD. Sr. RB Eric Whalum continued his fine play with hard running and his third straight game with a TD. So. RBs Sheldon Dawson and Jaylen Walton ran tough all night. It should be noted that QB Jamil Golden displayed great toughness as he was pressured all night and injured on a sack late in the 4th, but returned on the next possesion to throw the game winner. Golden has gotten better and better with each game.

 

So. QB Jamil Golden had 2 TD passes in the contest and displayed great toughness.

The defense was spectacular tonight considering how many times they had to stop Melrose. Except for those 4th down conversions, the defense basically played lights out football. According to my count LB Jason Card registered 6 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble and caused major havoc when rushing on blitzes. Sr. DE Desi T. Lane played an outstanding contest as held got 7 tackles, 2 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 TFL and to me played his best game of the year and his career at Ridgeway. Justin Maclin was a force with 6 tackles, 1 fum rec, 1 sack. Sr. DB Reginald Edwards had 4 tackles and 3 passes defended. Jr DT Terrance Butler Jr had 3 tackles and a fumble recovery. Jr DB Terrious Tripplett had 3 tackles and 3 passes defended. So. DL Kameron Perry contributed 3 tackles. Altonious Selmon also 3 tackles. Numeruos other players also contributed important plays such as Sr. WR Darion Seaborn 14 yard reception for a critical 1st down. The special teams played great too. All and all it was a great night to be a Roadrunner. Ridgeway improves to 2-3 on the season and takes on Overton next.

 

DB Proving with his play, He's a prospect

Terrious Tripplett Jr. DB   6'1  175

Story by LC   Sep 21, 2009

Terrious Tripplett is proving to be Ridgeway's best DB so far this season. The 6'1 175 Jr has made several big plays when needed most. He has two interceptions this season returning both for 50 yards. He routinely make the tackles on everything in his area and has been credited with 8 passes defended. Coach Rod Brown alerted me to Triplett back in the summer when he said "keep your eye on this player, he's our best DB in camp so far". One of the first things you notice about Tripplett is the aggression he plays the position with. He is a very sure tackler who is not afraid to hit. He is also fluid with his turn and run technique which puts him in good position to make plays on the ball. After reviewing game film of all the games so far, Tripplett has not been beaten deep. He has excellent size for a DB and with more hard work and a little promotion he should be recognized as a legitimate D-1 prospect. 

RIDGEWAY BLANKS COLLIERVILLE 21-0

Determined, Focused Roadrunners get 1st Win of the Season

Roadrunners Defense Ferocious In Contest

Story by LC   September 20, 2009

The Roadrunners got their first win of the season with an inspirational 21-0 performance over the Collierville Dragons on Friday night at Collierville Stadium. Coach Rod Brown told me it was the first time in nine years that Collierville had been shutout at home. The game was a physical contest with the Roadrunner defense stepping to the forefront and shutting down the Dragon offense with intense pressure on the Dragon QB. The game was tied 0-0 at the half as both teams traded field position. Each team missed a FG try in the first half defensive battle.

But Ridgeway shocked the home crowd with the opening kick-off of the second half when Sr. RB Eric Whalum raced 85 yards down the right sideline for a dazzling kick return TD. That TD inspired the defense even more and seemed to uplift the offense and entire team. Whalum, who Coach Brown named "The Issac Bruce Foundation Offensive Player of the Game" ran hard all night and accounted for 150 yards total offense. Infact, the Roadrunners gained 382 yards of total offense and exploded for 21 third quarter points. So. QB Jamil Golden connected with Jr. WR Walter Evans on a perfectly thrown 46 yard TD strike midway through the 3rd quarter to give Ridgeway a 14-0 lead. It was Golden's second straight game with a TD pass. On Ridgeway's next possession So. RB Jalen Walton scampered 31 yards for a TD to silence the home crowd for good as Ridgeway took a 21-0 lead into the 4th quarter.

The Roadrunners rushing attack was too much for Collierville as So. Jaylen Walton, So. Sheldon Dawson and Sr. Eric Whalum accounted for more than 200 yards on the ground.

 Sr. RB Eric Whalum

Ridgeway's defense was led by Sr.  All American Justin Mackin who had 9 tackles and 1 sack. Seniors William Brown and Desi T. Lane each also contributed sacks. Jr. DT Terrance Butler Jr. stuffed the middle of the line and also played an outstanding contest with 5 tackles (2 for loss). Coach Brown also acknowledged the play of Jr. DB Terrious Tripplett and Sr. DB Ralph Thomas. Coach Brown said "It's hard to pick a defensive player of the game because everybody did their jobs. I'm so proud of the way we bounced back. I told the guys that if we stick together and play hard, this what can happen. I think the whole defense should be honored for the award this week".

Offensive Player of the Game - RB Eric Whalum

Defensive Player of the Game - The Whole Defense

 

Roadrunners Lose 40-20 to Tigers
Whitehaven rallies In 2nd half to get the victory, loss drops Ridgeway to 0-3



Whitehaven scored 21 points in the decisive 4th quarter

September 12, 2009   Story by LC

The first half of this contest was very evenly played. The second half was not. The Roadrunners played inspired football in the first half, matching the Tigers intensity and production. The second half was mainly Whitehave taking advantage of Roadrunner mistakes. Ridgeway fell behind quickly as Whitehaven took the opening kickoff back 80 yards for a touchdown to take a 7-0 lead. Ridgeway bounced back behind the running of Jalen Walton and Eric Whalum and marched 75 yards. So. QB Jamil Golden connected with So. WR Tim Ford from 19 yards on 4th down for the TD. It was Golden's first TD pass of the season. Ridgeway's extra point was no good to make the score 7-6. Whitehaven's QB was effective running the ball and scored from 12 yards out to give the Tigers a 13-6 lead. Ridgeway later tied the game13-13 in the 2nd quarter when Sr. RB Eric Whalum scored from 12 yards out.

In the second half the Roadrunners were able to somewhat move the ball in the third quarter as they twice drove the ball deep into Tiger territory in the red zone, but was unable to convert those drives into points. Whitehaven was able to score the go ahead TD after converting on 4th and 4 with a fake punt. They would also score when Sr QB Javon Armour was sacked in the endzone and fumbled. Whitehaven covered the fumble for a TD. The scoring concluded when Whitehaven's primary RB rushed for a 45 yard TD late in the 4th to put the game away.

Ridgeway's standouts include Justin Maclin with10 tackles, Jr DT Terrance Butler Jr. had 5 tackles (2 for loss) but was injured in the contest. Sr. DB Ralph Thomas had 4 tackles, 2 passes defended and1 fumble recovery. RB Jalen Walton had 90 yards rushing and 1 TD. RB Eric Whalum had 50 yards rushing and a TD. Sheldon Dawson had 100 return yards in the game. CB Terrious Tripplet recorded his 2nd interception on the season. Desi Lane and Rodriquez Wright each had 2 catches. So. WR Tim Ford got his first TD of the season. The Roadrunners fall to 0-3 on the season. Ridgeway travel to face Collierville next week.

Houston Defeats Ridgeway 26-10
Roadrunners fall to 0-2


Story by LC   Sep 4, 2009

The Ridgeway Roadrunners fell to 0-2 this season after falling behind early in the contest. Houston scored first on a 51 yard FG on it's first possession. On their second possession they connected on a 74 yard TD pass when the QB scrambled to elude the rush and connected with his WR racing across the middle of the Roadrunner defense and then outraced the Roadrunners DBs down the sideline for the TD to make the score 9-0 in the 1st qtr. Ridgeway made the score 9-3 on a 41 yard FG from kicker Roberto Alfaro. But the defense was unable to stop Houston on the next possession early in the second qtr as they drove 76 yards for another TD. They also scored on the 2pt conversion to take a 17-3 lead. Ridgeway bounced back late in the 2nd qtr behind the running of Jaylen Walton and Eric Whalum. Whalum scored the TD from 1 yd out to make the score 17-10 midway through the 3rd qtr. It seemed that Ridgeway was close to trying the game when they drove deep into Houston territory to the 25 yard line. But the offense faltered when So. QB Jamil Golden tossed an interception at the Houston 5 yard line to end the threat. Later in the 3rd qtr another Roadrunner drive was stalled when Golden was intercepted again on a pass across the middle that went through the hands of an intended receiver. Houston capitalized by driving 45 yards for another TD. The Roadrunners had a couple more drive killing fumbles on offense and the lone bright spot was an interception and 50 yard return by CB Terrious Tripplet. Basically, Houston was able to salt the game way in the 4th qtr with it's ground game for the victory. The Roadrunners must regroup quickly as they prepare to take on Whitehaven next week.

Mrs. Golden and Mr. Long  show their support for the Roadrunners


Jr. CB TerriousTripplet had an interception and returned it 50 yards in the contest

Roadrunners Lose To White Station in Heartbreaker 26-21

Team Fought Hard Till The End


Story by LC    Aug. 28, 2009

The Ridgeway Roadrunners opened the season with a heartbreaking 26-21 loss to White Station in an exciting contest before a capacity crowd of roughly 3,000 at Hallie Stadium. The game featured several big plays and an incredible performance by Ridgeway's soph. running back Jaylen Walton. The Roadrunners fell behind 6-0 when soph QB Jamil Golden fumbled the snap deep in the White Station territory and Spartan QB Anthony Hayes eventually scored from the 1 yard line to take a 6-0 lead.

Sophomore RB Jaylen Walton rushed for 322 yards and 3 TDs

The Roadrunners bounced back when Walton ripped off a 75 yard TD run to make the score 7-6 Ridgeway at the end of the 1st qtr.The super quick sophomore rushed for 322 yards according to my calculation after reveiwing the film. It was in my opinion one of the best performances I have ever seen. It has to be a Roadrunner rushing record of some sort. Walton rushed for three (3) TDs in the game. The Roadrunners fell behind 12-7 in the second quarter when WS converted a third and 17 with a 55 yard bomb to get the first down. Ridgeway Sr. CB Kyron Tucker was beaten on the play. WS QB Anthony Hayes scored on a 25 yard TD run to make the score 12-7. The Roadrunners were driving deep into WS territory behind the running of Walton and Eric Whalum when QB Jamarcus Thaxton's pass was picked off and returned 85 yards for a TD and WS added the 2 pt conversion to make the score 20-7 at halftime.

Soph. QB Jamil Golden

But the Roadrunners defense came out with determination in the second half led by Jr. LB Douglas McWhorter who recorded 14 tackles in the contest according to my film count. McWhorter played an outstanding contest. The Roadrunners were consistently moving the ball on the ground and drove to the WS 5 yard line when QB Jamarcus Thaxton fumbled the snap which was recovered by WS. The Roadrunners bounced back again when RB Jaylen Walton struck from 37 yards out, slashing to the outside to race for the TD cutting the lead to 20-14 by the end of the 3rd Qtr. But midway through the 4th qtr WS QB Anthony Hayes threw a 44 yard TD beating Roadrunner CB Kyron Tucker again to take a 26-14 lead. The Roadrunners fought back with vigor driving the ball 84 yards culminating with a Jaylen Walton 6 yard TD run, his third of the game to cut the lead to 26-21. The Ridgeway defense held WS and the offense got the ball back with 1:41 to play with 80 yards to take the lead. The last drive was a thing of beauty as the Roadrunners soph. QB Jamil Golden completed 4 passes, along with timely running from Walton and Whalum to get the Roadrunners to the WS 8 yardline with 15 seconds to play in the contest. But the Roadrunners could not get it into the endzone and WS held on for the victory.

It was a wonderful game full of twist and turns, and the Roadrunners showed a ton of heart fighting till the end. Go Roadrunners.  SEE PHOTOS

Douglass McWhorter
LB     6'2  200
Class: JR

McWhorter Leads Defense In First game
Coach Rod Brown Says "McWhorter;s Play was Spectacular"
Story by LC   Aug. 29, 2009

Jr. LB Douglass McWhorter's play was so good against White Station that Coach Brown says "I want to start sending that film already because this kid is a prospect". "I will make sure he gets a highlight reel". I agree. I told Coach Brown that when I was reviewing the game it was impossible to not notice how many plays he was in on the tackles. McWhorter recorded 14 tackles, and was the heart and soul of the defense on that night. McWhorter plays with passion and that's something you can't teach. He is relentless getting to the ball carrier and shows a willingness to bring it with force. His fire and desire was plainly evident in the White Station game as coach Brown named him "Defensive Player of the Game".