By Molly Seales

On Friday September 4, the Riverdale Rebels traveled to WCCA to play their first official away game.  The Rebels took on the Rams, and the game ended with the score in favor of the Rams, 24-22.  It was an intense game that came down to the last minutes of the game being the final deciding factor.  With just under two minutes, the Rams gained the final possession of the ball, wisely kept the ball on the ground, running time off the clock, and ended up taking a knee.  This act made it impossible for the Rebels to have a chance to gain possession of the ball and score a touchdown for the win. The boys had a great Labor Day practice and will continue to practice this week and come back to win their next game.

Offensive stats for the night were the following:  quarterback Witt Almond was 5 for 13 for 102 passing yards and 2 touchdowns.  Witt also had 3 carries for 17 yards and a touchdown. Jake Messenger had 10 carries for 36 yards.  Paul Messenger had 15 carries for 54 yards.  Parker Almond had 3 receptions for 71 yards and 1 touchdown.  Jake Messenger had 1 reception for 31 yards and a touchdown. 

The defense worked hard on its end as well.  Stats were the following:  Defensive MVP Denver Williams had 3 solo tackles, 3 assists, (3 TFL) and 1 sack.  Parker Almond had 4 solo tackles and 3 assists including 1 TFL.  Paul Messenger had 1 solo tackle and 3 assists while his brother Jake Messenger had 3 solo tackles, 7 assists (1 TFL,) 1 FF, and 1 XP block.  Tyler Hodgin, who was playing in his first game this year due to an injury, had a fumble recovery.  Ty Jones had 4 solo tackles, 3 assists, and 1 fumble recovery.  Ben Almond had 1 assist, 2 interceptions for 35 yards, and 1 PBU.  Three freshmen gave the Rebels some quality defensive minutes.  Ryder Huddleston had 4 assists, Hayden Hillman had 1 assist, and Kyle Guillory recovered a fumble. 

This Friday, September 11, the Rebels will be traveling to Sharkey Issaquena Academy in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, to play their second official away game of their season.  Come out and support them or tune in on the Red River Parish Journal Facebook page.  GO REBELS!!!