Phoenix head coach Pete Lembo announced Friday that true-freshman Scott Riddle will begin the season as the Phoenix’s starting quarterback.

Riddle, who started all four seasons he played at Eastern Randolph, including the 2006 3AA state championship, had been battling red-shirted freshman Donny Kirby all summer for the starting job. Lembo said after practice Friday that this was the hardest decision he’s had to make in his seven years of being a head coach.

“It was a very close race, each practice these guys competed in a very positive way,” Lembo said. “No doubt they’ve both grown and developed and we’re confident in both of them to lead our team.”

Lembo said Riddle’s arm strength and mobility were variables that helped his decision.

“The combination of those two things allows him to get out of situations that might otherwise put our offense off schedule.”

Riddle also impressed others with his ability to pick up the offense in three weeks, his humble yet confident attitude and how well he was received by his teammates.

“When I originally committed to Elon, Wes Pope was still the quarterback,” Riddle explained. “So I figured I wouldn’t have a shot at starting until my sophomore year. Then when I heard about Wes’ situation, I knew I had a chance, but I also that I had tough competition in Donny.”

The system that Riddle played in at Eastern Randolph was somewhat similar to Elon, asking him to throw the ball 20 to 25 times a game. Riddle admitted that it was still difficult to adjust, but he’s excited to be throwing the ball 30 to 35 times in the Phoenix offense.

“As a quarterback, you want to be in an offense where you throw the ball more,” Riddle explained. “Coach [Warren] Ruggiero, our (quarterback) coach, has been working with me since I committed to Elon and has really helped me get better and understand the system.”

The young quarterback and the rest of the Phoenix squad will have a tough challenge ahead of them this weekend when they travel to Tampa Bay, Fla., to play the University of South Florida.

If Riddle struggles in this week’s game, Lembo hinted that he would keep the true freshman in the game so he can continue to learn and grow as a quarterback. However, Riddle knows that after a tough competition like the Phoenix’s, where both players were so evenly matched, he needs to play well.

“It definitely puts some pressure on me, and it’s still in the back of my mind a little bit,” Riddle said. “Donny can do everything I can just as well, if not better at times, so I need to keep playing well and try not to think about it too much.”

During his years at Eastern Randolph, Riddle threw for more than 7,500 yards and led his team to the state championship game twice, losing in 2003 and winning in 2006. He also received several accolades: four all-county picks, three all-conference picks and was a 2006 Wendy’s High School Heisman candidate.

Sports Editor: Jeff Rickel - 08/29/07