There are plenty of reasons to believe the hype heading into what looks to be a promising 2025 high school football campaign for Ringgold.
The two-headed monster backfield of senior Haddon Fries (5-9, 200) and junior Jeremiah Frost (5-11, 195) looked stronger than ever during Friday night’s scrimmage on the first of two weekends of the Prelude to a Championship event at Finley Stadium.
On top of their powerful and elusive running ability, they get to pick up yards behind a monstrous offensive line that includes senior Slade Swaney (6-4, 320) and sophomore Ty Henderson (6-3, 315).
Fries and Frost complemented each other well as they combined for over 80 rushing yards in the first half to hold a 24-7 lead over Walker Valley before varsity starters were pulled by both teams for the final half. That came just a week after the Tigers manhandled Tyner in a scrimmage in which Frost rushed for a pair of scores.
“Haddon is in shape to go 60 plays in a row. We feel confident he is going to be a big force for us,” Ringgold head coach Austin Crisp said. “Then we have Jeremiah, who rushed for 1,000 yards last year and took advantage of his opportunity. We have two loads back there who can really run the ball.”
Ringgold impressive in jamboree win over Walker Valley
Despite losing a pair of big-time defensive playmakers in Cole Runion (eight interceptions) and Bryce Hart (125 tackles) last season, the Tigers’ defense continued its trend from last season of being a turnover machine.
After Walker Valley senior Michael Wood showed his closing speed on a one-handed 40-yard pick-six to take a 7-3 lead, Ringgold scored 21 unanswered as defensive coordinator Houston White’s players were in prime positions to make big plays.
Junior defensive end Aaron Collins started the rally as his strip sack forced a fumble that senior Darryl Moore scooped up and returned for a 57-yard score. Just four plays later, a bad snap was picked up by Fries, who added on a 45-yard fumble recovery touchdown for a 17-7 lead.
The Tigers closed the first half with a third takeaway when sophomore Bo Green intercepted a pass.
“We always preach takeaway, takeaway, takeaway,” Crisp said. “Our goal is to get two takeaways a game. We played well defensively. We did miss some tackles and will need to clean that up. Overall, I am proud of the way our kids didn’t get their heads down after we threw a pick-six. They went back out there and responded instantly.”
Ringgold’s passing game was led by junior Zach Grower, who completed 6-of-10 passes for 119 yards, which included a 24-yard touchdown strike to senior Eli Pursley, who snatched the ball away from a nearby defender. Junior Grady Haddock led all receivers with 53 yards on three catches, while sophomore Bryant Marshall had a 35-yard reception deep down the middle on the second play of the scrimmage.
Walker Valley’s Chase Stephens threw for 90 yards in the first half, which included an impressive 29-yard catch and run by Sawyer Boyd. Meanwhile, Tyler Goldman was strong at linebacker for the Mustangs, who were without senior star Roman Eulo due to sickness.
Warren County 30, Dade County 21 (halftime)
The Pioneers pulled away late in the first half on a long pick-six by John Gillespie, while seniors Adrian Harris and Isaiah Robledo accounted for long scores of 45 and 46 on the ground and through the air, respectively.
Dade County sophomore quarterback Win Garmany threw for three touchdowns in the first half, which included a 68-yard score to brother H Garmany, who weaved in and out of the Warren County defense to take a 14-13 lead. Nate Hurst also added a 62-yard catch early for the Wolverines.
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com.