Football: Northeast 57, Tarpon Springs 0

TARPON SPRINGS — If you didn’t know of senior wideout Craig Richardson before Friday night, well, get ready to hear his name a lot this season.

After having to fill a void last season at quarterback for Northeast, Richardson will have the chance to showcase his athleticism at his more natural position of wide receiver.

His first touch in Friday night’s 57-0 win at Tarpon Springs? He returned the kickoff to midfield. He also capped the drive for the Vikings’ first points of the season, catching a 14-yard touchdown from Jake Spencer. Get used to that pairing — two of the three hookups between them went for touchdowns. Richardson also showcased his return skills, averaging 25.8 yards on punt returns.

“We had him at QB last year cause our QB transferred during the spring. He’s a really good athlete, but honestly he’s a good all-around player,” Northeast coach Jeremy Frioud said.

With the graduation of 1,000-yard rusher Qezzy Guyden, the running game this year will be more by committee for the Vikings. Leading the charge will be senior tailback Jacquez Welch with juniors Darius Bacon and Antorio Willis serving as the backups. The trio rushed for 83 yards on 10 carries with Bacon responsible for 33 yards.

MORE FOOTBALL: Palmetto 27, Pinellas Park 7

After only recording one sack last season, Kevontae Leland easily surpassed that total with three Friday night. Defensive backs Ryan Flores and Calvin Hayes, meanwhile, both recorded pick-sixes.

For the Spongers, three of the first five drives ended in turnovers that Northeast turned into touchdowns.

Tarpon Springs only crossed midfield once all game, but it came in a unique way.

Anthony Fowler was probably the most difficult ball carrier to bring down. It didn’t matter your allegiance, whenever No. 99 lined up in the backfield, you could hear both sides cheering. The senior rumbled for a game-high 47 yards with defenders literally bouncing off him.