Ex-Panther's dream takes wing at training camp with the Falcons

Former Lakeside High School star David Rivers may be fourth on the depth chart at quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, but Atlanta's coaching staff really likes the 6-foot-3, 220-pound play-caller.

Rivers has shown tremendous strength and athleticism during recent preseason workouts, and he has a shot at making the roster.

One of the main reasons Rivers was able to sign a contract with the Falcons in January was that his former teammate at the University of Virginia, Patrick Kerney, is a standout defensive end for Atlanta.

Kerney put in a few good words, and Rivers worked out a deal with the Falcons. Since then, Rivers' ability has done the rest.

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Rivers has been hampered by injuries, but this summer he is completely healthy, and has managed to impress the Falcons' coaching staff. He appears ready to fight Kurt Kittner for the No. 3 quarterbacking slot this season.

"This kid can play," Atlanta quarterback coach Mike Johnson said of Rivers. "He has a lot of natural ability and he is extremely intelligent."

Still, it won't be easy for Rivers to unseat Kittner. The University of Illinois product has a great arm and has been progressing well, according to one Atlanta coach.

The battle between Rivers and Kittner should be settled soon. The Falcons have four preseason games remaining before kicking off the regular season at Dallas on Sept. 7.

Calling all players

I have received a great deal of feedback regarding the All-Columbia County High School Baseball Team from the past 20 years, which was detailed in some recent columns in The Columbia County News-Times.

The subject has sparked enough interest that I'm considering a way to get all of those former prep players back on the diamond.

Nothing is set in stone, but the idea is to put together an "old-timers" softball game.

Again, this is all in the preliminary stages, but the prospect is exciting.

The nagging question is: How do we split up the rosters?

It could be Evans and Lakeside players vs. Harlem and Greenbrier.

If you are interested in playing or helping get the idea off the ground in any way, please send me an e-mail at AB@WRDWAM.com. All questions and comments would be appreciated.

It would be great to schedule the game as a prelude to the 2004 high-school baseball season.