Early in the fourth quarter of a Sept. 11 game against Grossmont, Point Loma quarterback Ryder Watson was on the training table after spraining an ankle.
It had already been a physical night for Watson, who described “trucking a Grossmont defender” on a quarterback keeper as his favorite play of the season thus far.
Holding a one-score lead, his offense needed him back.
The Pointers on the field, however, didn’t expect him to return. Then, Watson hobbled off the sideline and into the huddle.
“Be quiet because we are about to score a touchdown,” teammates remember Watson saying.
Facing a late-down, long-yardage situation and out of field-goal range, Watson delivered. He threw a 31-yard pass to junior wide receiver Tanner Spradling that landed just shy of the end zone, helping Point Loma secure a 28-20 victory.
“Coach looked at Ryder and next thing you know he’s coming back in on an ankle he could barely put any weight on,” senior tight end Graham Murdock said. “And he threw a perfect ball that put the game out of reach.”
“This play is a great example of Ryder’s grit and leadership,” Spradling added.
Last season, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound senior was one of two quarterbacks in Point Loma’s split system, sharing snaps with Henry Heuser. Watson provided the athletic playmaking; Heuser was the more traditional pocket passer.
It worked. The Pointers went 10-0 during the regular season before losing in the playoffs.
“Last year the experience splitting reps made me need to work harder every single day,” Watson said. “Having the competition each week has definitely made me the player I am now because I had to put in more work than ever before.”
Now, with Heuser having graduated, the offense belongs to Watson.
Through six games, Watson has completed 102 of 149 passes for 1,572 yards, 13 touchdowns and two interceptions. He has also rushed for 301 yards and five touchdowns on 31 carries.
Murdock has seen the difference in the way Watson handles pressure.
“You could tell he was a little timid under pressure in the previous years,” Murdock said. “However, now he does a much better job stepping up in the pocket and keeping his eyes downfield on some of our playmakers.”
For Spradling, that growth has translated into better timing between quarterback and receiver.
“Ryder has grown so much as a QB this past year, especially his pocket presence and his ability to make the right decision,” Spradling said. “Having two QBs last year was nice in some ways, but this year I am really able to get in sync and on the same timing as Ryder and it shows this year.”
Senior Ryan Cleator, who contributes as a punter, kicker and wide receiver, has noticed a similar change in Watson’s composure.
“He’s a lot more of a complete player, he does everything and he’s more calm in every way now that he is the sole QB,” Cleator said.
In his third year in the varsity system, Watson has developed physically and mechanically while gaining a stronger command of the offense.
“He’s improved in multiple ways as a thrower, as a runner, physicality-wise,” Point Loma head coach Ryan Price said.
Price also believes the competition with Heuser taught Watson something that extends beyond this season.
“When you go to college, there’s going to be seven quarterbacks in the room,” Price said. “This is a normal thing. This is just preparing you for the next level. You’re going to have to compete the whole time if you want to play at the next level.”
Price said the split did not prevent Watson from developing because he still received plenty of game reps. Instead, the competition made him more eager for the opportunity that eventually became his.
“I think it made him even more hungry for this year, and that’s what we’re seeing from him,” Price said.
Watson said he felt that difference almost immediately.
“Since the first game, I knew and felt I’ve been a whole new player after scoring my first touchdown,” he said. “I felt way more confident than ever and it’s carrying into each game.”
The Pointers entered their bye week at 5-1 and will face Scripps Ranch at 7 p.m. Friday before opening Western League play Oct. 16 at Lincoln.
