Mehrib shines in Riverside’s 7-on-7 performance

Sophomore Gideon Merhib (center) showed flashes of serious potential at quarterback at Riverside’s most recent 7-on-7.

If you don’t know the name, get ready to learn it.

Riverside sophomore quarterback Gideon Merhib hasn’t taken a varsity snap yet, but if his 7-on-7 performance Thursday was any indicator, Merhib should have little trouble adjusting to the level under center.

Merhib was a key component to the Warriors’ 5-2 record at Thursday’s Palmetto State 7-on-7 Showdown at Upward Star Center. He consistently found 6-foot-3 receiver Mikkel Skinner on deep routes and connected with senior wideout Israel Leamon for touchdowns.

Merhib’s poised play earned him praise from both his coaches and teammates.

“The ball was coming out quick from [Gideon] today, and the decision-making was really good,” said Riverside head coach Matt Rochester. “Even after throwing a couple of interceptions at one point, he bounced right back. That’s good to see from such a young kid.”

“He’s always been like that,” said Skinner. “I’ve known that since seeing him play JV.”

Mehrib will look to earn the starting quarterback job as just a sophomore. In his freshman season with Riverside’s junior varsity team, Merhib accounted for 31 total touchdowns.

“The speed at this level is definitely different,” said Merhib of his varsity experience. “But when you have playmakers like I have, it makes it a lot easier.”

Merhib says his receivers—all of which are older—have given him encouragement as he adjusts to the varsity game.

“We communicate a lot. They talk to me and make sure my head’s in a good place,” said Merhib. “It’s really helpful.”

Riverside—along with other Greer-area teams—enters into a “dead period” before picking back up in the middle of July. No organized football-related activities until then. When the Warriors get back from the break, they’ll remain focused on improving upon last year’s 5-6 mark.

“We’re going to be missing a lot of senior leaders on the defensive side of the ball this season,” said Rochester. “We’re going to have to keep consistency on that side of the ball and make sure our offense matches up to it, too, if we want to be successful.”