Players Matchup to watch
QB Kaiden Scott RB / DL Pryce Elms K / WR / DB Tate Conley TE / LB Slate Campbell
to watch
Oct. 10 vs Axtell to pick guys up and to make sure the offense has a balanced game. The goal for the line is to achieve 200 yards on the ground and 200 in the air every game.
A beneficiary of the O-line’ s improvement is running back Pryce Elms. One of the few seniors for Rio Vista, Elms is ready for the opportunity to be an integral part of the offense and said the offensive line is“ everything you could ask for.”
Defense
The defensive side is where the Eagles could see the most improvement in 2024. Calling the scheme“ too basic” last year, Woodard understood the patience needed for the group to gain knowledge of the system.
Also playing on the defensive line, Elms admitted he struggled in learning the defense. As the only returning starter on the line, Elms is taking the experience of his faults and teaching the younger players.
It’ s paid off, as the group caught on quickly in the early weeks of practice, he indicated.
Another senior who will make an impact for the Eagles is the defending district Defensive Player of the Year, middle linebacker Anthony Zepeda.
In a developing defense, Zepeda had 111 tackles, 12 for loss, one sack, one quarterback hit, four forced fumbles and one interception.
“ It was a good awakening,” said Zepeda about Woodard’ s arrival.“ He wanted the best. I wanted my best 11 guys out there and that’ s what we did. We did our jobs.”
Entering 2025, Zepeda is set to defend his defensive crown by being the leader of the Eagles. He senses higher intensity, grit and hard work from the defense so far.
Rio Vista was successful in stopping the run against non-district opponents, but saw weaknesses in its secondary with district opponents who threw the ball well, Woodard noted.
Many within the program reiterated the growth in the secondary, led by defensive back Tate Conley. Conley had 31 tackles, one fumble recovery, one interception and seven pass breakups.
As the Eagles prepare for week one, Woodard views depth as an ongoing battle for the team. Being a large 2A school, he’ s assured that the numbers assist them in finalizing the knowledge and ability don’ t drop off at the second or third level.
“ Throughout the course of the season, there’ s going to be people that you might not put as a starter, but they’ re going to be valuable on our offense, defense and overall success,” said Woodard.
Describing his first season as filled with ups and downs, Woodard stated the Eagles are more team-oriented than before.
As things change for the better, the goal remains the same for Scott, calling Rio Vista one of the top four teams in the state.
“ The expectation every year should be going to state,” said Scott.“ If you’ re not shooting that high, then why are we playing the game? This year, that expectation is extremely realistic.” johnson county gridiron 2025 29