|
Football is everywhere and that includes North Portland and the Roosevelt Roughriders just had an outstanding season where they set a school record for points (38.4 Per Game). Its a tough area and things do not come easy but Head Coach Christian Swain has done a phenomenal job of breathing life into the program.
The Rough Riders went 7-4 and lost a second round playoff game to 4A State Champion La Salle, but remained competitive all season long against some notorious 4a talent. Roosevelt will move back to 5a next year and they have got some good young kids coming back.
” We have some really talented kids out here its just something where you have to be pro active in getting them recruited”, Coach Swain said. Swain is joined by legendary former NFL QB Neil Lomax, and a cast of other hard working coaches that have completely transformed this program from three years ago.
In 2009 Roosevelt lost every football game by an average of 38 points. In 2011 they went (7-4) and broke the all time school record for points. The turnaround has been nothing short of incredible and its been done the right way.
The Roughriders accomplished a lot getting a playoff win, and having a plethora of athletes go off statistically. They produced a 2000 yard passer, a 1600 yard rusher, and two 700+ yard receivers that helped propel the group. Isiah Jones (5-7 180 RB Sr.) went for 25 total Tds and over 1800 All purpose yards, averaging over 7 yards a carry. ” Isiah’s a kid that can play college football somewhere, he loves the game and is an extremely hard worker” Swain Says. He earned first team all city honors and was a viable candidate for player of the year.
With Jones leaving the go to guy will be his sidekick Antonio Bella. Bella has been a first team all league kid for the past two seasons and been dominant both offensively and defensively. He was one of the state leaders in Ints (5), and went for over 900 yards receiving, and 12 total touchdowns on 50+ catches. He’s a threat anytime he touches the ball so look for Roosevelt to figure out a way to get him the rock as much as possible. ” Antonio has D1 ability he will just have to add some size, there isn’t much he can’t do”, said Swain.
On the line Roosevelt returns two big time young recruits who’s potential is off the charts in Semise Kofe (6-1 255 DL/OL So) and Sione Tamoe’ anga (6-1 270 DL/OL So). Sione earned 1st team all league honors on defense and second team on offense as a sophomore. Something very difficult to do at such a young age. Kofe was an all league kid as a freshman and looks to have a huge upside as both kids are still growing.
Senior QB Juan Montoya had a very good year throwing for over 2000 yards , but the excitement turns to Sophomore QB/Free Safety Kimane Domena (6-2 175). Domena could be a special athlete and was tied with Bella as one of the state leaders in Int’s with (5). He will step in at the Quarterback position at should do very well considering his overall athletic ability. ” Kimane is a kid were really excited about, we think he could have a very bright future here”.
In summary Roosevelt is back and much better with a very talented group of young athletes. To put the improvement into perspective look no further then three years ago when Roosevelt scored 76 points over the entire season. In one game this year they dropped 74 in a win over Seaside. Its been a crazy turnaround and give credit to all of the parties involved. The Coaches can coach, but the players have to buy in and that’s exactly whats happened. The foundation is laid and we look forward to following Roosevelt in 2012.
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/790217/ Isiah Jones
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/790218/ Antonio Bella
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/790232/ Sione Tamoe’anga
