Losing wide receiver Evan Stewart, one of the nation’s top recruits, would likely hamper many teams, but the Redhawks remain in the thick of the District 7-5A playoff race courtesy of other receivers stepping up. Friday night, the crew will be put to the test once again, as the Redhawks try to solidify a playoff spot when they travel to take on Princeton.

“Obviously we wish things would’ve been different. You never really go into a season expecting to lose guys during the season, but I think that everybody has taken it in stride,” wide receivers coach Kenneth Schiumo said. “A lot of guys have had opportunities to step up, and they have done that. A lot of guys have also found themselves with new opportunities to grow their game and they are willing to do that as well. We are really happy with the guys that we have in the locker room at this time, and we are excited for the season ahead.”

For junior quarterback Keldric Luster, the rest of the receiver crew have done a great job keeping things moving forward through adversity.

“I am proud of them to be honest,” Luster said. “Losing a wide receiver like Evan was big especially because he played a big role in our offense but seeing how guys have stepped up and just worked harder day in and day out let me know that everyone is really locked in and focused on the goal that we have set for ourselves.”

The team continues to remain focused and prepare for the final three games of the regular season. 

“The team’s energy has not changed at all,” senior wide receiver Cade McGarrh said. “We are still focusing on our ultimate goal of district championship and the goal of a state championship later in the season.”

Establishing himself as one of Luster’s favorite targets, senior Lawson Towne is one of the leading receivers in the area with 42 catches for 547 yards and 4 touchdowns.

“If anything I think it’s gotten better,” Towne said. “Knowing that we’ll be playing without a couple of players I think we stepped it up and all came together as a team.”

When the season started, Stewart was the focus of opposing defenses, but now Towne is getting a lot more attention. 

“It’s honestly incredible to be one of the leading receivers in the area,” Towne said. “I work so hard everyday. Every time I go into practice I try to be the best version of myself that I can be and let the rest take care of itself.”

Stepping into the role of one of the deep threats on the team, senior Kam Smith has two touchdowns heading into Friday’s game against Princeton, where a win will guarantee the Redhawks their second straight playoff appearance. 

And if that happens, Smith is confident the team will advance past the first round. 

“Most definitely, most definitely yes,” he said. “I still think we can make it to at least the semifinals if we believe in ourselves. No matter how big, strong, or athletic the other team is, if we believe in ourselves then we can go as far as we want.”