Riverview
Coach: Mike Thornton (third season, 4-16)
Last season: 2-8
Class/district: 8A-6
Colors: Royal blue, black and silver
Stadium: Shark Field, 11311 Boyette Road, Riverview
Playoff history: 2000, 2001, 2005
Last appearance: Beat Orlando Freedom 34-15; lost 28-7 to Palm Beach Lakes
Season schedule
Sept. 5 at East Bay, 7:30
Sept. 12 at Brandon, 7:30
Sept. 19 vs. Wharton, 7:30
Sept. 26 vs. Middleton, 7:30
Oct. 2 at Plant, 7
Oct. 10 vs. Strawberry Crest, 7:30
Oct. 17 at Bloomingdale, 7:30
Oct. 24 vs. Alonso, 7:30
Oct. 31 vs. Newsome, 7:30
Nov. 7 at Freedom, 7:30
Mark your calendar
Although it is a Kickoff Classic game, coach Mike Thornton deemed Friday’s game against Leto as an important start to the season, saying, “Somebody’s got to win.” Aside from that, the Oct. 17 road game against district rival Bloomingdale is big. Of course, Thornton also views road games against nearby rivals East Bay (Sept. 5) and Brandon (Sept. 12) as meaningful to a team trying to change its direction.
Huddle highlight
The defensive line, led by Hal Roberson (6-foot-2, 280) and Reggie Desronvil (5-11, 250), clearly is the team’s strength. Riverview could be explosive on the ground with quarterback Keisean Young — “He’s our most dynamic runner,” Thornton said — and junior varsity callup Izzy Johnson running behind an experienced line.
Known quantities
OL/DL Hal Roberson and OL/DL Reggie Desronvil, Srs.: This pair could dominate on both sides of the line and on defense, will be joined up front by Jontae Johnson, making this unit one of the county’s best.
QB Keisean Young, Sr.: A dynamic runner who played some at running back and quarterback last season, and had a 200-yard game against Brandon, he is entrusted with running the offense and surely will produce his share of breakout plays.
OLB Jesse Stillwell, Sr.: Considered one of the bright spots on defense by Thornton, Stillwell is also one of the returning leader in tackles (68).
Up-and-comers
RB/DB Izzy Johnson, Jr.: The primary ball carrier for the junior varsity last season, he will be given his share of carries with ample opportunities to produce.
LB Ryan Pipher, Jr.: A long snapper last season, he has earned a starting spot on defense.