Written By: Sven Alskog
A young team will step on to the field this fall for Richfield, which hopes to build up a core that can compete at the varsity level within the next couple of years.
“We are a lot younger group, but a group that is used to winning,” said head coach Buck Hendren. “We are playing a mixed schedule again this year with varsity and JV games, [so] we are not in the conference. My hope is to have some success and start the program headed in a more positive direction.”
A quartet of newcomers to the roster were listed as some pieces to watch by the coach.
Quarterback Carson Perkes, athlete Clay Kent, offensive lineman Jase Long and end Hudsun Lucero are all incoming freshman for the Tigers.
“A good group of freshmen should help us get the program headed in the right direction. I’m excited to see how this team will progress throughout the year,” added Hendren.
Auston Brownlee, Connor Hamel, Dane West, Angel Melendrez and Donovan Fackrell are some of the returners for Richfield.
There is a clear goal on the offensive side of the ball.
“We need to be about to sustain drives and finish,” stated Hendren.
On defense, the emphasis is on taking away the big play. Every opponent a year ago eclipsed 47 points against the Tigers, something that the team will look to improve on.
While there is not a ton of upperclassmen representation on the roster, those that are in place will be essential to the success in 2019.
“Connor Hamel, as the only senior on the team, will have to step up to a leadership role,” said Hendren.
Richfield begins the season on August 30 with a matchup at Shoshone.