ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Gaven Ridgway

Morgan Kienzle

Quarterback Gaven Ridgway has produced more than 1,300 yards of total offense for the Blue Devils.

Caleb Beiswenger, Staff Writer

Senior quarterback Gaven Ridgway has been dominating the football field all season. This is Ridgway’s first year at the position.

He plays safety and is the punter as well. 

Ridgway isn’t the typical pocket passer quarterback. He is an excellent rusher, knows how to avoid sacks, and can make positive yards out of a broken play. Ridgway leads the team in rushing touchdowns with 7 on the year, and he’s has run the ball for 659 yards on 104 carries for a total of 82 yards per game.

Ridgway has also thrown for 700 yards and 10 passing touchdowns on 40 completed passes. His best game of the season came in Week 2 when he completed 7 of 12 passes for 158 yards and 3 touchdowns in a win over Glendale.

“Gaven has done a really good job for us this season at the QB position,” said Coach Nick Lovrich. “He has been a running threat for us and has done a very good job of being a leader on and off the field.  We are hoping for some big plays from him the remainder of the season.”

Ridgway’s favorite part of the season has been all of the close games and them being very exciting.

“It’s hard to pick one, but running out before the Backyard Brawl with all the people is amazing,” he said.

Ridgway went the gym and ran all summer to prepare for the season. He says that winning the District championship would mean a lot.

“I feel like it’s something we’ve worked so hard for, so it would be amazing,” ssaid Ridgway.

The Blue Devils next game is this Friday at West Branch. Bellwood is looking for their 6th win, this is another important game for the Blue Devils as they want to keep their hopes of an I.C.C. championship and a spot in the District 6 playoffs.