The strength of this year’s Riverside High School football team will be the talent it has at the skill positions.
Heading this list are Johnny Williams, JJ Allen, Otis Williams and Mikael Jones. Bulldog head coach Jim Risen says each of these four young men are expected to play vital roles for his team
“Mikael’s strength is his strength,” Risen said. “He is versatile. He is very strong, and he has great game awareness. He is going to be a running back and a linebacker for us, and he is going to play a big role on our team.”
“Johnny Williams (who will play quarterback and tailback) has great leadership skills. He has great field awareness and he handles pressure well.”
“JJ Allen (wide receiver) has a quiet reserve about him, but he has a lot of confidence. We could line him up anywhere and have a lot of confidence in him. He is also an excellent teammate and has great leadership qualities.”
“Otis Williams (wide receiver) has great hands and great speed. He is a playmaker, and he can get down field and make plays for us.”
Risen, who is entering his third season leading Riverside, believes his core group of players will help him build on the momentum that was created last season when the Bulldogs made their first playoff appearance in five seasons. This year, they have their sights set on making it past the first round.
The Bulldogs begin their season on on August 27 at home against St. Joseph Catholic School.
One of the qualities Risen said he likes about his team is their unselfishness.
Johnny Williams, for example, will likely share quarterback duties with junior Jason Irion. Risen hopes to compliment Williams’ speed and athleticism with Irion’s strong arm.
“It doesn’t really matter what position I play,” Williams said on Thursday. “I just want to do whatever I can to help the team win.”
Williams, and his other three teammates, were also sure not to leave Abraham Ramirez, who was out of town and unable to attend Thursday’s practice. Ramirez, also a running back, is expected to share most of the duties with Jones behind center.
“The team is very unselfish, but they are also confident,” Coach Risen said. “They have a swagger and a confidence about them because they have improved and they have gotten bigger stronger and faster.”
The players credit their coach for helping them become the best they can can.
“Coach has helped us a great deal,” said Johnny Williams. “He keeps pushing us hard each day so we can accomplish all of our goals.”
