Rigby answers the bell in second career start for HoCo Bears

The test was on the table and Houston County High School sophomore quarterback Max Rigby answered all of the questions correctly. After only attempting a single pass in the season opener against Jones County, missing the loss to Peach County and going 7-22 for 90 yards and an interception in the August 31, 27-7 loss to Eagle’s Landing, Rigby has found his rhythm.

There was more to celebrate on Friday night than just the Bears getting their first win of the season following a 27-22 win over the Veterans Warhawks. The Houston County Bears have found their signal-caller and a new weapon on offense as Rigby threw a number of passes downfield that were reminiscent of last year’s starting quarterback, current Georgia Bulldogs starting quarterback Jake Fromm. At 6’2 with poise in the pocket and a cannon for an arm Rigby is clearly the quarterback of the future for Houston County first-year head coach Ryan Crawford. A number of Rigby’s passes found the hands of fellow sophomore receivers including backup quarterback/receiver Isaia Harris. Harris started under center in Rigby’s place while he was out but looks to be a quality offensive option for the Bears. Ahead 20-19 during a third quarter drive, Rigby hit Harris for a crucial first down in the Warhawks red zone. He would keep it himself a play later, rumbling into the end zone for a one-yard quarterback keeper and an eight-point lead for the Bears that they would fail to relinquish. Rigby found senior receiver Khalil Polk, sophomore receiver Eric Williams and senior tight end Keishoen Jarrett during the game, the later for a 63 yard bomb. Prior to connecting to Jarrett, Rigby was hit while passing and never took a step out of the pocket or his eye off of the receiver. The ability to use multiple receivers as well as use his running backs – sophomores Wesley Steiner and Donovan Mabry- as safety nets are signs that the kid is getting the hang of things early in the season.

Some of the things Rigby demonstrated on Friday can’t be taught. They’re learned and most certainly instinctive. The last guy to play quarterback at Houston County started his varsity career as a sophomore and took his lumps en route to an All-American career that currently included starting against Notre Dame in South Bend on Saturday. Rigby answered the call on Friday and he’ll get dozens of chances to do it again for the Bears. If it’s anything like what thousands of people saw on Friday it should be a fun ride for the young quarterback.