The Riverbend Bears made the playoffs and claimed a share of the Commonwealth district for the second straight year in a row. Unfortunately their season has ended in similar fashion both seasons. Losing in a route at Stone Bridge. Big time players Mathias Barnwell, Marc Anthony Parker and EJ Wilborne are now gone to graduation. How will some of the new faces fair trying to keep Riverbends winning ways going.
Riverbend will absolutely miss the leadership and talent that last year's Seniors, (Wilborne, Barnwell, Parker, and Short) but their QB will be entering his third year as Riverbend's starter and very well could be this areas best at his position. Junior (RB) JoJo Thomas returns after rushing for over 750 yard last season. Amir Mateo also returns and can be used at RB or WR depending on how the Bears chose to use him. The Bears will also have a nice combination of size and experience on the Offensive Line to help their new weapons get acclimated to playing varsity football
The Riverbend defense has been one of the more consistent units since Coach Nathan Yates took over. However, this season they will need to replace a special group of players that made life tough for opponents. Players like (LB) Joshua Broussard and (LB) Jonas Taylor will need to take on leader roles in the defenses front 7. The secondary is full of talent and is occupied by JoJo Thomas, Amir Mateo, talented freshman Camden Simmons will also look to make an immediate impact.
The schedule for Riverbend is a tough one, though it will be fun to see the Bears compete in these games. After opening against rival Chancellor and then a tough Forest Park squad, the intensity ramps up significantly 3 straight games of King George, Highland Springs and Mountain View, the combined record of those 3 teams last year? 36-4 and of course Highland Springs won the Class 5 Championship and have plenty returning. Despite losing so much talent the Bears have potential to be one of the best in the area in 2023, even if their record doesn't reflect it by the end.
Record Projection: 7-3
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