The entire Riddle bloodline has attended Elon University, but when it came time for Scott Riddle to decide on a college, he was determined not to follow in their footsteps.

Fast-forward about nine months. Riddle, starting quarterback for the Elon football team, led the Phoenix to their first winning record (7-4) in the Southern Conference since 2000, breaking school, conference and national records along the way.

Named to the All-Southern Conference Second Team, and given the award of Southern Conference Freshman of the Year, Riddle’s change of heart has significantly benefitted the Phoenix.

The freshman’s first career game was on the road against the University of South Florida, a Division 1-A team in the Big East, who would eventually worked their way up to the No. 2 overall ranking in the nation. To top it off, the game was in an NFL stadium with more than 33,600 people in attendance, all screaming for Riddle to fail.

The young quarterback wasn’t that nervous though, and played well in a Phoenix loss. Southern Conference Coach of the Year and Phoenix head coach, Pete Lembo, was not as nonchalant.

“I was nervous because I had never started a freshman quarterback before,” Lembo said. “At the same time, I had confidence in Scott. He’s so cool and comfortable under pressure.”

Riddle went on to break 16 records for the season. The majority were Elon or SoCon records, but with 31 touchdown passes and 3,768 yards of total offense, Riddle set NCAA freshman records. His 347 total offensive yards per game was also an NCAA freshman record, breaking former NFL MVP and now-Baltimore Ravens quarterback, Steve McNair’s previous mark.

“We all had high hopes for Scott,” Lembo said. “But I don’t think anybody could have expected this.”

The quarterback’s 3,817 yards, 346 completions and 508 attempts all ranked first in the Football Championship Series. Sophomore wide receiver, Terrell Hudgins, accounted for a large majority of those numbers. Hudgins ranked first in the FCS in all major statistical categories, with 107 receptions, 1,474 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Hudgins’ counterpart, senior Michael Mayers finished his college career in record-setting fashion as well. Mayers’ 223 receptions are the most for a career in the SoCon, and his 863 return yards set a school record as well. Together the two also broke a conference record with a combined 2,538 yards.

The duo’s 207 combined receptions shattered the previous NCAA single-season record for a duo, which was 183, a record set 23 years ago by Joe Thomas and Jerry Rice. Though the Phoenix head coach doesn’t like to look at statistics or records, this one stood out to him.

“That record really hit me,” Lembo said. “Here’s a guy [Rice] who was the best ever, and who did it the right way. Yet these two not only surpassed the mark, but they did so significantly.”

Mayers was named first Team All-Southern Conference as a return specialist and second Team All-Southern Conference as a receiver.

Hudgins was placed on the first team and was also nominated for the Walter Payton award, which is given to the FCS’ best offensive player of the year. Mayers had nothing but praise for his quarterback and fellow wide receiver.

“Scott is a great quarterback and Terrell made great plays all year,” Mayers said. “This team has a great future.”

Joining Hudgins and Mayers on the first team was junior Brandon Lane, the Phoenix punter. While junior linebacker Corey Weaver made his way onto the second Team, along with Riddle and Mayers.

Junior Andrew Wilcox, the Phoenix kicker, also set a school record with 50 extra points made in the season. His 37 career field goals are a new Elon record, and the kicker still has another year left to play.

Lembo was nominated for the Eddie Robinson award, the award given to the nation’s top coach. The Phoenix head coach won the award while at Lehigh University, but no coach has ever won the award twice.

After starting the season 6-2 with losses only to University of South Florida and Appalachian State University, the Phoenix went on the road for two straight conference games. With losses against both Furman University and The Citadel, the team found itself in fourth place in the Southern Conference. With a win in its season finale, the Phoenix finished with a 7-4 record, but out of the playoffs.

Throughout the season, the Phoenix had defensive troubles. Injuries forced young players to play and this hurt the team down the stretch of the season. Lembo explained that such experience is crucial to the development of these players and will only benefit the team’s future.

The Phoenix football team is the youngest in the conference and will only graduate six seniors. Among those seniors is Mayers. The Phoenix quarterback is sad to see him go.

“[Mayers] made a lot of plays for me,” Riddle said. “He was one of my best friends on and off the field. He’s got a lot of heart.”

Lembo felt the same way, but is excited about the coming year with Mayers’ backup, junior Bo Williamson.

“We are losing a great player in Mike, and others will have to step up,” Lembo said. “However, look at a guy like Bo Williamson. He’s had a great year and improved more than anybody.”

While youth hurt the Phoenix toward the end of this year, players and coaches said it is something that makes the future look even better for the team.

“Next year, we won’t let it slip away,” Riddle said. “This program is going sky high.”

Reporter: Adam Pittenger - 12/05/07