FOOTBALL 2001

Kent Treptow/The Olympian
River Ridge is counting on talented running back Deondre James to stay focused on football in order to boost the Hawks' chances.

Hawks hope new attitude pays off in wins

RB James leads speedy group of skill players

ERIC D. WILLIAMS, FOR THE OLYMPIAN

LACEY -- The River Ridge football team experienced a transformation on the practice field during two-a-days in August.

And the Hawks are hoping that new attitude translates into more wins on the field this fall.

"We want to build a whole new tradition here," said Chad Sutter, a junior defensive lineman and one of the leaders for this year's Hawks. "Right now people around the league are probably overlooking us and not expecting us to do anything. We want to prove them wrong."

The Hawks have forgotten last year's tumultuous 3-6 campaign, and instead choose to focus on this season.

At the crux of River Ridge's turbulence last season was talented running back Deondre James, who was suspended the last five games for disciplinary reasons.

However, the 6-foot, 190-pound running back returns to action this season, and says he is ready to turn over a new leaf.

"Last year we had a lot of talent but we couldn't put it together," James said. "There were a lot of negative things going on with the team. This year we have some new coaches and our attitudes are different. We just want to play as a family -- protect each other and look after each other. So far, we're having a lot more fun."

James is coveted by a number of Division I schools, Notre Dame and USC among them. River Ridge coach Danny Greene said his team's success depends on the performance of his running back.

"We're hoping he stays focused," Greene said. "If he does we'll have a good season. If he doesn't then we're probably going to struggle."

Defensively, the Hawks will rely on speed. A quick, talented linebacker corps and the physical presence of defensive tackle Lee Harper should help stuff opponents' running game.

"If he stays healthy he's going to be an impact player," said Greene about Harper. "He's big, strong and fast. He's going to really help us establish the line of scrimmage. And if we can do that, everything else will take care of itself."

Greene's main focus is developing an offensive line to open holes for James, and solving his quarterback dilemma. Junior Josh Stewart and sophomore Giovanne Woods should both see time behind center. Stewart -- whom teammates call "Slash" -- will also line up at running back and wide receiver.

Greene said he's looking for another great returner after having Justin Robbins, now at the University of Washington, and Richmond Sanders the last two seasons.

"I'm able to do real well on special teams," said Greene, who played under talented special teams coach Rusty Tillman for the Seattle Seahawks.

River Ridge will get an early test with an opener against traditionally tough Tumwater. Greene said that contest could be an indicator for the rest of the season.

"The first game is going to dictate how we play," Greene said. "I think we can compete with just about anybody. But we've struggled with Thurston and Tumwater. They've just kind of beat our brains out. Basically we've got to compete better against them."

The Olympian Copyright 2001

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River Ridge Hawks

- COACH: Danny Greene (3rd year).

- 2000 RECORD: 3-6.

- RETURNING STARTERS: 4/5.

- OFFENSIVE/DEFENSIVE SET: Multiple set; 5-2.

- KEY RETURNERS: Jeff Cook, FB-ILB, sr., 5-11, 205; Jacob Austin, RB/DB, sr., 5-7, 162; Josh Stewart, QB/DB, jr., 5-9, 170; Derek Foster, OG, sr., 5-10, 235; Deondre James, RB/DB, sr., 6-0, 190.

- STRENGTHS: Overall team speed and linebacker position. "We know they're ready," Greene said about his linebackers. "They've just got to make plays."

- WEAKNESSES: River Ridge will head into this season with a young offensive line and an unproven quarterback. The Hawks are a young team that will rely on a talented junior class. Watch out for them in 2002.

- WHAT TO EXPECT: Greene thinks his Hawks can move up a couple spots in the Pac-9 standings, but next year should be the season River Ridge makes its move.

Schedule

Fri., Sept. 7 TUMWATER

Fri., Sept. 14 at Yelm

Fri., Sept. 21 at Skyview*

Fri., Sept. 28 ABERDEEN

Fri., Oct. 5 at Centralia

Fri., Oct. 12 BLACK HILLS

Fri., Oct. 19 at North Thurston

Fri., Oct. 26 TIMBERLINE

Thu., Nov. 1 at Chehalis

*non-league

Home games in CAPITALS.

All games at 7 p.m.