COLFAX - Opposing defenses loading up to stop Ridgeview High School's running game this football season will be taking a gamble. | U Pick 'Em

Derek Powell's job will be to make them pay.

The third-year starter is the most prolific passer of ninth-year Coach Mike Benton's tenure. Powell completed 76 of 128 passes (59.4 percent) for 1,002 yards last fall.

Best of all, Powell has some sure-handed targets in Jordan Ayers and 6-foot-5, 225-pound Mark Turner, a senior transfer from Canada playing football for the first time.

"Turner is catching the ball really well," Benton said. "Ayers has good speed and good hands."

Ayers handled four interceptions last year as a safety. The second-team all-Heart of Illinois Conference kicker is "crushing the ball off the tee" thanks to some summer kicking camps.

"He's a real weapon," Benton said. "He's good inside of 40 yards."

Running backs Brandon Naas, Matt Johnson and Tim Troyer have all shown they can catch passes this preseason.

"Hopefully we can give people problems with that," said Benton, who has five starters back on offense and five on defense from a 5-5 squad. "We're supposed to be down this year, but in some areas we're better than last year."

The Mustangs' eight seniors, five of whom are fourth-year players, hope to extend Ridgeview's string of eight consecutive playoff berths.

Benton rarely starts freshmen, but won't be able to keep 6-4, 285-pound Shawncey Day off the field.

"He is going to be tough to block," said Benton, who will have freshman Tyler Maxwell starting at nose guard.

Also new to the team is 6-5, 265-pound junior Zechariah "Big Country" Pace-Kollross, a likely contributor.

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Meet the Mustangs

Head coach - Mike Benton, 9th season (8-year record 54-29)

Conference - Heart of Illinois

2007 - 5-5 record (5-3 in Heart of Illinois). Lost to Lewistown, 41-21, in first round of Class 1A playoffs

Roster

SENIORS

Derek Powell, QB/P/DB, 6-0, 155; Jordan Ayers, K-E-DB, 6-0, 140; Matt Johnson, WB/LB, 5-8, 175; Jacob Cramer, WB/LB, 6-0, 180; Seth Embry, E/DB, 6-2, 185; Jake Thorndyke, FB/LB, 6-0, 225; Robbie Ranniger, G/DE, 6-2, 200; Brian Klein, E/DE, 6-2, 180; Mark Turner, E/DE, 6-5, 225.

JUNIORS

Tim Troyer, FB/LB, 6-0, 200; Brandon Naas, WB/DB, 5-8,150; Jacob Hastings, WB/DB, 5-8, 155; Michael Studholme, T/DT, 6-0, 190; Zechariah Pace, T/DT, 6-5, 265; Bryce Thilmony, T/DT, 5-10, 240.

SOPHOMORES

Jon Brown, E/DB, 5-7, 130; Christian Cedeno, WB/LB, 5-6, 135; Wes Donovan, QB/DB, 6-0, 140; Patrick Kirby, E/DB, 5-10, 145; Austin Ream, WB/LB, 5-7, 140; Daniel Kuta, C/DT, 5-7, 215; Zach Barnes, C/DT, 5-10, 235; Zach Ogden, T/DT, 5-9, 255; Dillon Blanchard, C/DT, 6-0, 235.

FRESHMEN

Bryce Powell, QB-DB, 5-9, 130; Adam Jones, FB/LB, 5-8, 150; Austin Washington, FB/LB, 5-9, 165; Cole Winterland, FB/LB, 5-9, 165; Tyler Maxwell, G/DE, 6-2, 180; Shawncey Day, T/DT, 6-4, 285.

Schedule

Aug. 29 - At Lexington^

Sept. 5 - Flanagan-Cornell-Woodland^

Sept. 12 - Deer Creek-Mackinaw^

Sept. 19 - At Iroquois West

Sept. 26 - At GCMS^

Oct. 3 - Fieldcrest^

Oct. 10 - LeRoy^

Oct. 17 - At Tri-Valley^

Oct. 24 - At Heyworth^

Games start at 7 p.m.

^ - conference games.

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