McCallie offense fueled by the rise of standout junior William Riddle

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / McCallie's William Riddle (14) looks to pass against Brentwood Academy on Sept. 4. Riddle completed 13 of 15 passes for 192 yards in Friday's 33-14 win over Baylor.
Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / McCallie's William Riddle (14) looks to pass against Brentwood Academy on Sept. 4. Riddle completed 13 of 15 passes for 192 yards in Friday's 33-14 win over Baylor.

William Riddle was nearly perfect.

The McCallie junior quarterback threw his fourth touchdown pass with less than a minute remaining before halftime, hitting junior standout Kenzy Paul for a 24-yard over-the-shoulder grab to provide a lopsided 26-0 lead over arch rival Baylor on Friday night at Finley Stadium.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder used all of his weapons by throwing touchdown strikes to four different receivers, and was provided ample time behind an offensive line that kept him upright the entire game.

"Coach (Joel) Bradford (McCallie offensive coordinator) scripted things out for us really well and we came out and took advantage of the opportunity we were given," said Riddle, who is the Times Free Press' Player of the Week after completing 13 of 15 passes for 192 yards in Friday's 33-14 win over Baylor.

"I have great receivers to throw to and we have been building chemistry throughout this season together. I think that first half showed a glimpse of what we can do when we are doing a lot of things right. My line did a great job protecting me the entire game. That start showed how much we can do when we are all on the same page and doing a good job."

After waiting in line behind dual-threat standout and current Kennesaw State quarterback Deangelo Hardy - who was integral to the Blue Tornado's Division II-AAA state championship last season - Riddle has taken off.

In five games he has completed 54 of 77 (.701) passes for 847 yards, 12 touchdowns and no interceptions. Riddle split time over the first three games behind center, but has since gained full control from head coach Ralph Potter.

Nine of his touchdowns have been to Eric Rivers or Paul. Rivers has torched secondaries for a team-high 451 yards on 20 catches with six scores, while Paul has 15 catches for 231 yards and three touchdowns.

With another Riddle in command of the offense, which features a bruising backfield mate B.J. Harris (Missouri commitment), McCallie looks to have the firepower to compete for another state title.

"I have learned a lot from my brother Robert, who played here and is now playing at Mercer," Riddle added. "He's taken what he has learned at college and given me great advice that has helped me get a lot better too. It's all about getting better every day and focusing on the small details that can make you better going forward."

Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.

photo Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / McCallie (14) William Riddle throws from his own end zone. McCallie and Baylor faced off in the Division II-AAA rivalry game Friday, October 2, 2020.

Upcoming Events