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Former area prep standouts in QB battle at Mercer

Mercer quarterback Kaelan Riley passes during the first half of a game at Auburn last September. Riley, who played at Calhoun High School, has been pushed in the offseason by former McCallie quarterback Robert Riddle.
Mercer quarterback Kaelan Riley passes during the first half of a game at Auburn last September. Riley, who played at Calhoun High School, has been pushed in the offseason by former McCallie quarterback Robert Riddle. Mercer quarterback Kaelan Riley passes during the first half of a game at Auburn last September. Riley, who played at Calhoun High School, has been pushed in the offseason by former McCallie quarterback Robert Riddle.

By Gene Henley 4 min read

MERCER

› 2017 record: 5-6 (4-4 SoCon)› Season opener: Sept. 1 at Memphis› Date against UTC: Nov. 10 in Chattanooga, 1 p.m.› Preseason ranking (coaches/media): 6/4› COMING SATURDAY: East Tennessee State

Kaelan Riley helped lead Mercer to five wins in his first season as the Bears’ starting quarterback.

But it was a loss – in Mercer fashion, a close one – that gave him the most confidence.

After earning Southern Conference freshman of the year honors in 2017, Riley returns for his second season with hopes of guiding the Bears to their first Football Championship Subdivision playoff appearance in 2018.

The former Calhoun High School standout passed for 2,030 yards and 13 touchdowns last year, but it was a 28-27 loss in early September to league foe Wofford – which went on to reach the quarterfinals in the FCS playoffs – that taught him even more.