SARASOTA (SNN-TV) – The Riverview Rams (5-1) host the Mustangs of Lakewood Ranch (2-4) tomorrow night for their homecoming game and senior night.
Coming off a 35-0 shutout of Sarasota, the Rams had last week off in preparation for tomorrow’s game.
The bye week has many advantages, and Riverview senior offensive and defensive lineman Walter Leise echoes that it was much needed.
“It’s nice for a break, first of all for injuries. We’ve been able to get a lot of kids recovered and ready to play again.”
Leise is a part of a stellar group of players playing in the trenches on both sides of the ball. The o-line in particular has really proven its worth in recent weeks, most evident in their win over Sarasota, where the Rams offense rushed for 146 yards and RB Jay’den Birch scored 3 touchdowns. In their match-up with Lakewood Ranch, the Rams look to do more of the same, but the Mustangs defense is no slouch according to senior guard, Brandon Weller.
“They like to switch between which fronts they run, like a three front and four front. They like to load the box. They do a lot to confuse other O-Lines, so it should be a unique challenge for us.”
The challenges don’t stop there, as the emotions and excitement in the Ram Bowl should be boisterous due to the fact that it’s senior night and homecoming night. Slot receiver Johnell Williams says having alumni in the stands is a huge factor for him.
“I feel like homecoming game is another big game, other than a rivalry game. You got alumni coming out watching you. People that used to play on this field, just watching kids that when they was playing, they was babies.”
Despite the glitz and glamor of the evening’s events, the Rams welcome a stout Lakewood Ranch, despite their up and down season. Coach Josh Smithers says the Mustangs, led by Rashad West, will certainly not be overlooked.
“Coach West does a great job; I’ve known him for years. I know that he’s going to have Lakewood Ranch ready to play. We’re definitely not going to overlook them, it’s a district game. If anything else it’s a district game and those are extremely important.”
Kickoff tomorrow night from the Ram Bowl is set for 7:30.
