Davidson excited about Ridge's progress after big spring win

It wasn't exactly a normal spring for Ridge Community as head coach Chris Davidson missed all but the last week. But there probably isn't a happier coach in the county coming out of spring football than Davidson.

Yes, there were mistakes but Davidson saw a lot to build on after the Bolts' defeated Auburndale, 20-16, on Friday night.

"It's the same story as in the fall," he said. "These kids are still freshmen and sophomores kids. They're fun to watch though. They're exciting."

Although quarterback Zach Pleuss threw two interceptions in the red zone — one came on a deflection — he also threw three touchdown passes.

"I couldn't be happier with the way he played tonight," Davidson said. "He did everything we asked him to do. Even the interceptions — on the one interception, we didn't block very well for him and there was the tip."

There's talent to build around, but Davidson was most impressed with the character of the team.

"They're very resilient," he said. "I don't think it's lost on anyone that I was gone a month. I've only been back a week. I have some amazing coaches. I was able to bring in some guys who are very, very good."

With Davidson out, new offensive coordinator Kenny Kelly worked with the offense while defensive coordinator Ray Smith worked with the defense.

"There were bumps in the road and kinks that need to be worked out, but it gives us a good base going into the offseason," Davidson said.

3 Things Learned

Playmakers Emerge: The Bolts graduated two of the most prolific players in school history in running back Beau Herrington and wide receiver Keymari Odum, but they appear to not be lacking replacements. Andre Berry, who missed last season, is back and is at wide receiver, while Joe Jackson moved from receiver to the backfield. Jackson had some big runs and caught a touchdown pass out of the backfield. Berry was an effective target for Pleuss as was tight end Sean Johannesen. And rising sophomore Josh Petion, who caught 34 passes for 536 yards last year, is back. Petion caught the first touchdown pass from Pleuss in the first quarter.

"How do you really replace two first-team, all-state players?" he said. "But if we want to become a program, we have to figure out how to do it. And we've got a good one in Dre Berry, and Joe Jackson played in the slot and was very tough at running back."

Defense Improving: The Bolts averaged nearly 33.0 points in the first three games last season but went 0-3 as they allowed nearly 40.0 points a game. So it didn't look like a good omen when Auburndale drove for a score on its opening drive.

However, Ridge shut down the Bloodhounds for most of the game, although there was a dropped touchdown pass late in the first half. The Bolts forced a three-and-out after both of Pleuss' interceptions.

Auburndale didn't score again until the final minutes when Ridge had backups in.

Defensive tackles Darrell Adams and Elvis Smith led the unit.

"They looked like world beaters," Davidson said. "The Footmans (Ty and Tyrone) on the edge are going to be handful for people to handle."

Dayvon Davis and Jeremiah Walker help give the Bolts improved play at linebacker.

Offensive Line a Pleasant Surprise: No matter how talented the skill position players are, Davidson, as a former offensive line coach, knows it starts in the trenches. The Bolts graduated a lot of linemen. 

"I did want to look at our offensive" Davidson said. "Almost all those guys were JV guys or new. A lot of guys had ups and downs. They played good as a unit."

Fall Focus 

With new players on the offensive line and new running backs, the Bolts want to continue to develop the running game, and that includes getting stronger.

"We're vastly different strength and conditioning from the fall and that's from three months of lifting," Davidson said. "Give us another three months and I think the run game will come along."