Pieces in place for RNE to excel

An experienced, talented offensive line, an athletic quarterback and some solid defensive players could lead to a big season for Richland Northeast this fall.

Coach Jay Frye has four starters back to an offensive line well-equipped to protect senior quarterback Kersean Wilson and provide a strong running game.

“We’ve got to be able to run the football,” Frye said. “We have an experienced, big offensive line. We Kersean back there in spread he should be able to make some good reads.”

The Cavaliers played for a state championship in 2005, losing big to Byrnes in the Class 4A Division II final. RNE enters this season coming off back-to-back playoff appearances, including an 8-5 squad that advanced to the second round last season.

A few frustratingly close losses kept RNE from an even bigger year in 2008. A 5-2 Region 5-4A mark left the Cavaliers one game shy of region champ Irmo (6-1). They’ve spent the offseason and preseason workouts concentrating on finishing strong.

“We came close last year,” Frye said. “We’re talking about being able to finish this year. We’ve got to be able to overcome.”

Wilson and his solid front line will go a long way toward making that happen.

Athletic enough that he’s played some wide receiver during his RNE career, Wilson is adept at firing quick-strike throws or tucking the ball in and gaining yardage himself.

The four returning starters on the offensive line include center Jacquez Jenkins, guards Jordan Thomas and William Bonaparte, and tackle CJ Wilson, who holds a scholarship offer from East Carolina.

RNE is searching for a consistent running back after losing Shrine Bowl back Gee Gee Greene to graduation.

Sophomore Darius Paulk, who has family ties to RNE’s recent success, is one option. Darius is the younger brother of Rodney Paulk, now a linebacker at USC, and Leonard Paulk, a defensive back at East Carolina.

Even though Darius Paulk is an unproven runner at this point, the pieces are in place for a potent RNE offense this season.

“We feel pretty good about the offensive line,” Frye said. “Our quarterback has a lot of experience. We’ve been a little inconsistent, but if we can put things together, we can move the ball.”

Defense is the other part of the equation and the Cavaliers have plenty to feel good about there as well.

It starts up front with defensive lineman Christian McKie, a Class 4A all-area pick in 2008. He’s joined by returning starters Dontrell McDaniel and Donovan Belton.

“We’ve got some experience up front,” Frye said.

Ryan Quarles, an occasional starter in 2008, and David Curry will be expected to contribute from the linebacker position. Safety Jeremy Robinson leads an unproven secondary.

“We don’t have a lot of depth,” Frye said. “We’ve got to stay healthy and continue to improve. (But) we always hope to have a chance of winning the region title. The kids are excited. We have a good group of seniors and experience on both sides of the ball.”

Reach Wiseman at 803-771-8472