The Riversprings Middle School 2011 football season was one for the ages.  It was a season of firsts.

The Bears had their games broadcast on the radio, captured a conference championship, and posted an undefeated season.

“Definitely a hard act to follow,” according to RMS head football coach Joey Jacobs.  “A lot of folks are expecting us to be down this year, because we lost a lot of 8th graders.  They are guys that have immediately contributed to the high school’s JV and Varsity program.  Two of our players from last season started on offense Friday night against Mosely.”  It is obvious that RMS will miss playmakers Keith Gavin, Monterious Loggins, Antonio Morris, and Feleipé Franks, as well as defensive stalwarts Isaiah Youmas, Kyle Weaver, and Josh Strickland.  “We lost a lot, but the cupboards are far from bare,” coach Jacobs revealed.  Although the Bears return only 2 starters on offense and 3 on defense, the coaching staff is excited about some of the younger talent poised to step up, both on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.

On offense, "Mr. Everything" Demarcus Lindsey returns for his 8th grade campaign, along with fellow 8th grade standout Jacob Austin.  “Everybody pretty much knows about Demarcus and Jacob, so they aren’t taking anybody by surprise, but Jake McCarl, Justin Davis, Matt Bowyer, and Kam Rosier will step right in and contribute in a major way,” Jacobs said.  Riversprings will also field an entirely revamped offensive line, with zero returners.  The line will be anchored by 8th graders, center Jacob Marin, guard R.J. Kinard, and guard Marlon Ng.  Coach Jacobs is impressed with the progress made at the QB position by 8th grader Zach Norman.  “Zach is playing lights out right now, and he is vindicating my belief in him.  He has been being groomed since 6th grade to step up this season and he has done just that.”

According to the coaches, the offense is progressing nicely, but it’s the defense that is making the giant strides.  Coach Louis Hernandez said, “As hard as it is to fathom, this year’s defensive line may be better than last year's.”  The Defensive line consists of Tyrone Williams and Cody Zanco, with Adrian Morris and R.J. Kinard manning one of the DT spots.  The linebacker corps is solid and athletic.  As a unit, they could pick up where last season’s “Lights Out” defense left off.

The Bears will begin their 2012 season on Thursday, September 6th in Live Oak against the Suwannee Bulldogs.  They will return home the following Tuesday, September 11th to face the Marianna Bulldogs at J.D. Jones Stadium.  Both games will begin at 6:00 P.M. eastern time.

Click here to view the RMS Bears 2012 Football Schedule.

Pictured:  Demarcus Lindsey takes off during the 2012 RMS Green and White Game (by Lisa Kinard)

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