GETTING (JACK)ED: Pitts handles pressure of being Rider QB
Expectations are high for those quarterbacking the Rider Raiders.
Just consider the impressive line of quarterbacks the program has produced during the past 20 years.
From Blake Szymanski and Shavodrick Beaver to JT Barrett and Jacob Rodriguez, Rider deserves the distinction of being called “Quarterback High” in the Wichita Falls area. And just listing the four most notable names leaves out Malcolm Carter, Chase London, Willie Cherry and Jorge Vargas who each made their own mark on the program.
And Jack Pitts proved last season his name belonged among them.
In his first season as the Raiders’ starting quarterback, Pitts completed 170 of 281 passes for 2,812 yards, 26 TDs and eight interceptions.
It was a performance that raises expectations even higher for his senior season.
“I feel the pressure a little bit. I mean, we’ve always had good quarterbacks at Rider,” Pitts said. “I believed I could do the same thing. … I’ve been working hard during the offseason trying to get better. Always trying to get better.”
Pressure is something Pitts has quickly learned to deal with conquer.
After playing safety during his sophomore season, Pitts inherited the reins of the offense from Rodriguez, who rewrote the Rider record book after three seasons starting behind center. Rodriguez played a season for the University of Virginia before transferring to Texas Tech in the spring where he’s expected to see significant time playing linebacker.
It’s hard to find more pressure than replacing a Division I caliber athlete who goes down as one of the greatest Raiders in program history.
“I felt a little pressure replacing him (Rodriguez), but I think it helped that we had so many seniors graduate last year,” Pitts said. “That made it feel like my team with my classmates who I’ve been right there with since like fourth grade.”
It was chemistry that made last year’s team successful with no letdown despite graduating heavy. The Raiders went 12-2 in 2021, making a fourth straight appearance in the state quarterfinals.
Advancing at least four rounds deep into the playoffs has become the standard at Rider. And Pitts is confident he can lead the Raiders back there and perhaps even further, especially with nine starters returning on offense.
“I have so many weapons. It’s so great,” Pitts said. “I think we all get along so well because none of us really care if we’re the superstar. I mean, (running back Anquan Willis) has all the big offers, but he doesn’t get mad if he’s not getting all the carries. We’re all good players, but we don’t think we’re above the team.”
OFFENSE
Pitts must feel confident with the number of weapons surrounding him this season, including two returning starters at receiver with seniors Kaden Jones (37-775, nine TDs) and Tobias Oliver (56-895, eight TDs). Senior Xavier Banks (13-254, three TDS) also got valuable time at the position.
Rider coach Marc Bindel feels the team’s deepest position may be at running back where Willis is the headliner after rushing for 1,666 yards and 26 TDs on 236 carries. It’s possible Willis carries the ball less thanks to the presence of Jordon Gibbs and a healthy Tyrone Morgan. Sophomore Kenji Johnson figures into the backfield, too.
Rider is also experienced up front with Norman Mendieta, Joseph Holst, Garrett Folmar and Braylon Williamson returning. Junior Cape Johnson will also have a starting role.
DEFENSE
The biggest question on Rider’s team is at linebacker where Coleman Bledsoe, Logan Rex and Rex Wilson graduated.
Banks is the top returner at the position, notching 59 tackles, including seven for loss, last season. Johnson, Judah Perez and Ben Carr will also be part of the rotation at linebacker.
Rider’s experience on the defensive line will help the new starters at linebacker. Luke Gambs is entering his fourth season on the varsity roster and has multiple Division I FCS college offers. He’s joined by Kalen Witherspoon on the interior of the line.
Jailyn Gibbs had eight sacks as a sophomore and will play one of the defensive end spots, while Willis will come in as a pass rush specialist, a role he excelled at last season with 12 sacks.
Morgan, Jones and Nate Dyches are returning starters in the secondary. Ryan Jones will be a new starter at safety.
EXTRA POINT
The Raiders have played 57 games in the past four seasons. That’s 11 more than any other team in the Wichita Falls area with Holliday second at 46 and Windthorst third at 44. That also means Rider has had more extra practices than any other team.
Rider Raiders
Head Coach: Marc Bindel (ninth year)
Last year’s record: 12-2
Returning starters: 9 offense, 7 defense
Base offense/defense: Spread/4-3
Last playoff appearance: 2021 (Lost to Lubbock-Cooper in state quarters)
Last district title: 2008
SCHEDULE
Aug. 26 at WFHS 7 p.m.
Sept. 2 at Decatur 7 p.m.
Sept. 9 vs. Lubbock Coronado 7 p.m.
Sept. 16 at Lubbock-Cooper 7 p.m.
Sept. 23 at Stephenville 7 p.m.
Oct. 7 vs. Abilene Cooper* 7 p.m.
Oct. 13 vs. Abilene Wylie* 7 p.m.
Oct. 21 at Amarillo Palo Duro* 7 p.m.
Oct. 28 vs. Plainview* 7 p.m.
Nov. 4 at Lubbock* 7 p.m.
PLAYER TO WATCH: WR/LB Xavier Banks (Sr). – A rare two-way starter at the 5A level, Banks forms a potent trio with Kaden Jones and Tobias Oliver at wideout.
GAME TO WATCH: Oct. 7 vs. Abilene Cooper – The Raiders haven’t won a district title in 14 years, but if they take this 2-5A opener, they’ll be in the driver’s seat.
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Rider Raiders 2022 high school football preview and schedule
