River Ridge
The River Ridge Wildcats do not have the history a lot of the other NUIC school's have, due in part that River Ridge became their own team in 2010. What has turned out to be a good thing for the Wildcats, the success on the gridiron hasn't followed, at least not yet. The Wildcats best season came in 2013 when they finished 4-5, but looking forward to this fall the Wildcats look primed to make their first run to the playoffs in school history.
Head Coach Doug Nicholas is entering his 4th year at the helm of the Wildcats, but he is no stranger to River Ridge's past either. Coming off of back to back 2-7 season's, last year showed that the Wildcats are ready to compete with the top team's in the conference. While most people only see the surface, if you look deep inside, River Ridge has one of the more dynamic offenses returning this season. Combine that with many 3 year and 4 year starters, and you have a recipe for success. If River Ridge can figure out how to finish games, they will find the playoffs. The Wildcats are our sleeper in 2018, and it could come down to their week 9 game against Hoopeston on selection Saturday to determine the Wildcats fate in 2018.
Last year, the Wildcats were either in the lead, or within 2 points of their opponent in 8 of the 9 games they played last year in the 3rd quarter. For the Wildcats to find the win column more often, and the playoffs, they must be able to play all 4 quarters and find ways to overcome adversity. If they can do this, the Wildcats look to be a player in the Upstate Conference race in 2018.