One of the pleasant developments during the current season has been the emergence of the Riverview Gardens Rams.
The Rams have really struggled in recent years with a 5-27 record during the past three seasons, including a 0-10 mark in 2015. Things have changed this season at “The View” as the Rams are out of the gate with a 4-2 record.
Led by a hardened group of seniors, the Rams defeated Hazelwood East 26-6 last Saturday in what was their biggest victory of the season to date. Senior quarterback Lawrence Johnson had a big day with 323 yards of total offense and four touchdowns against East.
The 6’1” 175-pound Johnson has been a big dual-threat throughout the season with 563 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns; and 899 yards passing and 12 touchdowns. The other top offensive weapon is senior Davion Evans who has rushed for 469 yards and four touchdowns while catching 19 passes for 401 yards and seven touchdowns.
Riverview’s defense has been strong this season with a strong corps of seniors leading the way. Defensive lineman Maurice Hall has a team-high seven quarterback sacks while defensive back leads the team with 53 tackles. Defensive lineman Aaron Spottsville has 45 tackles and six sacks while linebacker Stephen Harris has four sacks.
The Rams will close out of the season with Seckman, McCluer North and a showdown with Hazelwood Central in the finale.
The Undefeated
There are still a handful of undefeated teams still going strong in the area as we head into Week 7 in Missouri and Week 6 in Illinois. They include Vianney (6-0), Lutheran North (6-0), Trinity (4-0), Fort Zumwalt North (6-0), Lindbergh (6-0), Ritenour (6-0) and McCluer South-Berkeley (5-0).
Stellar Performers
Trinity’s Isaiah Williams passed for 323 yards and three touchdowns in the Titans’ 68-6 victory over Christian-O’Fallon.
Lutheran North’s Canaan Brooks rushed for a school record 324 yards and six touchdowns in the Crusaders’ 50-12 victory over Lutheran South.
Maurice Massey of Francis Howell North caught 10 passes for 237 yards in a 35-18 victory over Francis Howell Central.
Earl’s Pick Game of the Week
Ritenour (6-0) at Lindbergh (6-0), Friday, 7 p.m. – A showdown in South County featuring two undefeated teams who are on a big roll. Lindbergh has experience a big turnaround after finishing 3-7 last season. The Flyers have an explosive offense, led by quarterback Parker Powell (1,325 yards pass and 17 touchdowns) and the receiving duo of Rico Payton (834 total yards and 15 touchdowns) and David Grenia (686 yards and 10 touchdowns).
Ritenour is led by senior quarterback Mann McGruder, who has amassed more than 2,000 yards of total offense and 25 touchdowns. Senior running back Demetrius Jackson has rushed for 891 yards and 13 touchdowns. The top two receivers are Barrion Clemons (357 yards, five TDs) and Demeetrie Beach (319 yards, two TDs).
Other Top Games of the Week
Westminster (3-3) vs. MICDS (4-2) at Kirkwood, Thursday, 7 p.m.
O’Fallon (2-3) at Edwardsville (2-3), Friday, 7 p.m.
Borgia (6-0) at St. Charles West (2-4), Friday, 7 p.m.
Francis Howell (4-2) at Timberland (4-2), Friday, 7 p.m.
Lafayette (3-3) at Webster Groves (3-1), Friday, 7 p.m.
Pattonville (3-2) at Hazelwood Central (5-1), Saturday, 1 p.m.
East St. Louis (4-1) at Belleville West (4-1), Saturday, 1 p.m.
