The Ryan Raider defense will get one of its toughest tests of the year when it faces an extremely athletic Wichita Falls Rider offense on Friday.

Led by dual-threat quarterback Shavodrick Beaver and running backs Damien Washington and Jurell Thompson, Rider, 4-0 district, 7-1 overall, has scored at least 40 points in all but two of its eight games this season -- once in a 27-15 loss to Stephenville, Class 4A’s top-ranked team, and in a 31-7 win over Wolfforth Frenship in Rider’s season opener.

Rider’s explosive offense has the ability to score from anywhere on the field. Ryan, 4-0 district, 5-3 overall, will have its work cut out for it when the two teams meet for the District 5-4A title at 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Stadium.

“We’re going to have to tackle,” said Ryan head coach Joey Florence. “We’re going to have to wrap up and not be lazy when we tackle. Hopefully we can get some penetration and slow them down a little bit. You’re not going to stop people like that. Hopefully we can outscore them.”

Ryan’s defense has improved since going into district play. The Raiders averaged 27.7 points against in non-district play. That number has dropped to 21.2 in the last four games -- all Ryan wins.

Still, there is concern with the Rider tilt as the Raiders have periodically given up big plays in the passing game. Against Denison last week, Ryan gave up gains of 68, 65 and 53, two of which were touchdowns.

“I think it’s always a concern,” Florence said. “You don’t want to give them an easy touchdown. We pressure you and play man-coverage. You’re susceptible to some of that sometimes. It’s a concern any time that happens -- no doubt.”

Despite having the game in control for much the contest, Ryan allowed Denison to hang close in the second half, giving up 28 points to the Yellow Jackets after the break. While the Raiders were playing backups on defense through much of the second half and Denison has a wealth of young talent at the receiver position, Ryan’s second-half deficiencies are trouble for the Raiders heading into a big game against a stellar offense.

“Their kids did a good job executing in the second half,” Florence said. “Their coaches made some adjustments at halftime. They scored on our first team but they also scored on some of our non-starters. I don’t want to take anything away from them. They did a good job. I thought they were a good offensive football team coming in.”

While Rider boasts a number of studs, so does Ryan’s defense. Josh Williams is arguably the best pass rusher in the district. Outside of the Williams, Ryan’s defensive line rotates a number of capable players into the mix.

The secondary, which has been the punching bag for opposing passing games a few times this year, has given up big plays but has the talent to compete. Peyton Whitlock is an experienced and improving safety, and sophomore Sedrick Purnell is a dynamic athlete and a potential Division I prospect.

“We played really well the first half,” Florence said of the Denison game. “We forced six three-and-outs. We’re getting better over there. We have some kids solidified with where they’re playing and getting more comfortable with their positions. We lost our intensity in the second half. I don’t know how much of that was us and how much of it was Denison, but I’m pleased with where we are defensively.”

Beshears having breakout year

D.J. Beshears came into the year as an unproven junior varsity player at a position where Ryan had plenty of experience. Now, he’s one of Ryan’s primary offensive threats, averaging 18.2 yards per catch.

“He was a good player for us on the JV,” Florence said. “We saw signs of that last year. D.J. has really grown up a lot. He’s always had some athleticism. It’s really fun to watch him have the success he’s having. He’s such a good kid. He’s by far, in all my years in coaching, one of the hardest practice players I’ve ever coached. It doesn’t surprise me he’s having success the way he approaches practice.”

Beshears’ numbers have been eye-popping since his breakout game against Abilene. The junior leads Ryan in receiving and scoring. He has 675 yards and 10 touchdowns on the year.

Florence pleased with new kicker

Sophomore kicker Cristihan Guifarro passed his first test against Denison since being called up from the junior varsity team.

Guifarro was brought up to take Nick Rinks’ spot as the kickoff man to give Rinks a break as he is also the kickoff returner, defensive back and field goal kicker.

“Cristihan did a great job for us,” Florence said. “That’s going to help Nick. Nick is doing a lot of things for us. It’s just one less thing he has to do. He’s a young kid. It’s good to get him in against Denison because we’re going to need him in our next run.”

Volleyball

Ryan needs stellar play against Guyer

One thing Ryan learned in its first two matches against state-ranked Guyer is that it can’t let up and expect to win.

The Lady Raiders dropped both regular season matches against Guyer despite playing the Lady Wildcats tougher than anyone else in the district in the regular season finale. In the playoff rematch at 7 p.m. on Friday at Texas Women’s University, Ryan is going to have to play next to perfect to knock off Guyer.

“Our coverage is going to have to be a lot better than the last time we played them,” said Ryan head coach Cindy Williams “Blocking is going to have to be a lot better. The overall game will have to step up to a higher level. We have to put everything into this one and not hold anything back. Everything has to improve. I’m not saying we’re bad at it, but everything is going to have to be polished.”

Tate making late contribution

Ryan middle blocker Chloe Tate hasn’t been on the varsity team long, but she’s making the most of it now that she is.

Tate has spelled Keidra Williams regularly in Ryan’s two playoff wins. In the Lady Raiders’ sweep of Fort Worth Arlington Heights, Tate had four kills and a service ace.

“I’m pleased in the fact that she’s matured a lot and really stepped up her game coming from JV to varsity,” Cindy Williams said. “She’s really come along from last year to this year. Her expectations for herself are really high.”

Jones out for year

Ryan outside hitter Katie Jones is likely out for the year after a worsening shoulder injury resulted in a muscle tear last week. Jones didn’t dress for Ryan’s win over Arlington Heights and will miss the rest of her junior season.

Jones played sparingly at outside hitter this season, but was effective while in the lineup.

Telaneus peaking at right time

Ryan outside hitter Sarah Telaneus has turned into one of Ryan’s best offensive options in the playoffs. The senior captain was all over the court in the Lady Raiders’ two playoff wins, recording 11 kills against Arlington Heights and hitting the ball with resounding vigor.

“She’s just stepped up her game,” Cindy Williams said. “She really got after it. She’s just now starting to peak even though it’s her senior year. It shows how much intensity and work she’s put into it.”

Boys basketball

Watson impressing in practice

Ryan guard Andrew Watson has earned the attention of the coaching staff with his improved play and scoring ability.

The senior will be counted on to score in the 2007-08 season as Ryan graduated top scorer Jermias Sawyer.

“Andrew Watson has really been playing well,” said Ryan head coach Bryce Overstreet. “He’s really been working hard. I expect him to have a very good season this year.”

Ryan banking on athleticism

The Ryan Raiders have their work cut out for them in District 5-4A, but head coach Bryce Overstreet believes Ryan has the athleticism to compete.

The Raiders will likely rely on ball pressure to wear teams out and fast breaks to score, which fits their personnel better as they lack an opposing big man.

“We’re going to run some motion offense and some man-to-man defense,” Overstreet said. “We’re going to keep it pretty simple and try to speed up the tempo of the game.”

Girls basketball

Dean giving Ryan leadership

Jacque Dean isn’t taking her role as a leader lightly.

Through preseason practices, head coach Monesha Allen has seen her senior guard helping her younger teammates, something that bodes well for the Lady Raiders as they look to take a young team into the post season for the second straight year.

“She has showed me a lot of character on the court,” Allen said of Dean. “She’s really matured. I’m hoping that leadership will carry over into the season.”

Lady Raiders leaning on guard play

The Ryan Lady Raiders don’t have a dominant post player, so Allen and company are looking to take advantage of the wealth of quality guards on the roster.

Seniors Jacque Dean and Miatta Williams, along with junior Emily Paramore, lead a core of perimeter players that the team hopes can carry them back to the post season.

“Our strength lies in our guard play,” Allen said. “We’re pretty guard heavy. Having said that, we don’t have the post and size inside. We definitely have to take advantage of our strength.”

JEFF ANDREWS can be reached at 940-566-6873. His e-mail address is jandrews@dentonrc.com.