RIDGELAND PANTHERSCoach: Mark Mariakis (45-31 here; 62-64-1 overall)Returning starters (O/D/K): 3/2/1Remember these names: Quarterback Darryl Bridges (Jr., 6-foot, 205) and wide receiver/defensive back Vonn Bell (Jr., 6-1, 180) are transfers who will become immediate game-changers. Ridgeland, despite heavy graduation losses, still has plenty of speed, but the key offensively will be up front with John Gadd (Sr., 5-11, 235), Dustin Davis (Jr., 5-11, 200) and Tre Montgomery (Sr., 6-foot, 270).Will be a memorable year if: The Panthers are fighting for a playoff spot in week 10. That would seem a low goal for a three-time region champion, but with just five total starters returning, a shot at the playoffs would be a nice building block for next season. The key to being competitive will be how quickly the defense finds its leaders after losing starters at every level.ScheduleAug. 26 at AdairsvilleSept. 2 AllatoonaSept. 9 CedartownSept. 16 at Gilmer CountySept. 30 at Dalton*Oct. 7 LaFayette*Oct. 14 at Southeast Whitfield*Oct. 21 Ringgold*Oct. 28 Heritage*Nov. 4 Region play-in game* Region 7A-AAA game
Darryl Bridges doesn’t like practice, though it has nothing to do with not wanting to work hard or help make his teammates better.
The Ridgeland junior quarterback often feels left out of half the fun of playing football. In other words, in very un-quarterback fashion, Bridges likes contact.
“He hates wearing the red jersey in practice – hates it,” Ridgeland coach Mark Mariakis said of the transfer from Red Bank. “We have to hold him back sometimes, but I think Darryl realizes we need him healthy. Once the season starts, we’ll turn him loose a bit because he likes to run and is very good at it.”
The Panthers’ wing-T offense doesn’t often feature a running quarterback, but Bridge’s talents likely will bring about a few new wrinkles. However, it’s not his running ability that had the Ridgeland coaching staff so excited this summer in 7-on-7 passing league camps. The 6-foot, 205-pounder displayed a strong and accurate arm, especially on deep patterns.