Strong returning cast bolsters Richfield football hopes
Another Richfield Spartan football season kicks off at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31 at Ettinger Field in South St. Paul.
Richfield senior Corbin Halbur will direct the Spartan offense from his quarterback position this season. (Photo by Greg Kleven – Sun Newspapers)
Richfield hopes to get off to a successful start against the Packers in the Classic Suburban Conference opener.
The Spartans are also trying to better last season’s 1-8 record.
Richfield head coach Todd Olson likes what his players have shown in pre-season drills.
“I have seen a hard-working team in our practices,” said Olson. “We have experienced, talented players returning. If we can dodge injuries, we should be competitive.”
Richfield’s football coaching staff had 75 players (grades 9-12) out for the team.
Richfield has six offensive starters back including senior running back Cam Dearing (5-8, 170), senior tight end Chandler Arredondo (6-3, 220) and senior quarterback Corbin Halbur (5-9, 170).
Three other Spartan offensive unit veterans are senior wide receiver DeShawn Jones (6-3, 185), senior center Alex Mendele (5-11, 190) and senior running back Devon Robinson (5-11, 205).
DeShawn Jones will be a starting wide receiver for Richfield’s football team. He led the Spartans in pass receptions a year ago. (Photo by Greg Kleven – Sun Newspapers)
Richfield’s defense is also a veteran unit boasting seven returning regulars.
Among the returnees are end Arredondo, cornerback Dearing and linebacker Robinson.
Other returning Richfield defensive regulars are senior tackle Jared Mullen (6-0, 220), senior lineman Ed Guyton (6-1, 220), senior end Mike Jacobs (6-1, 210) and senior linebacker Andrew Allen (6-0, 175).
Senior Duncan Pederson returns as Richfield’s starting punter.
“We plan to play aggressively on defense,” said Olson. “And we hope to have a ball-control offense.”
Coach Olson listed St. Thomas Academy, South St. Paul and Mahtomedi as the Classic Suburban title favorites.
