Story by Molly Seales and photos by Ryan Prosperie
On Friday, September 11, the Riverdale Academy Rebels traveled to Sharkey-Issaquena Academy to play against the Confederates. The Rebels were due for a win after two tough losses in a row. After practicing hard, they came through with a win against the previously undefeated Confederates. Not only did the Rebels take the win, but they won by 28 points with the final score being 42-14 in favor of Riverdale.
When they are off the field, the Almond and Messenger brothers/cousins might not always get along, but under the Friday night lights these boys worked together to dominate the game while on offense. Quarterback Witt Almond had a great night as he went 9 for 14 in passing for 207 yards, including 3 touchdowns. He also rushed for 33 yards. Parker Almond had 5 receptions for 108 yards and scored 3 touchdowns. Paul Messenger had 62 yards rushing and 1 touchdown. Paul’s brother Jake Messenger had 4 receptions for 99 yards.
The Rebels were on top of their defensive game as well. Paul Messenger had 5 solo tackles, 9 assists (3 TFL), and an interception that he ran back for a 31-yard touchdown. Parker Almond had 3 solo tackles, 1 assist (1 TFL), 1 PBU, and a huge interception that he ran back for a 67-yard touchdown. Jake Messenger had 6 assists (4 TFL.) Ty Jones had 3 assists and 1 sack (2 TFL.) Brennan Edie had a solo tackle, 5 assists, 1 PBU, and 1 sack (4 TFL.) Ryder Huddleston had 1 solo tackle, 1 assist, and a fumble recovery. Kaden Cason had 1 solo tackle and 2 assists. Denver Williams had 1 solo tackle, 3 assists, 1 sack (3 TFL), and 1 blocked punt.
Since the LHSAA has released new guidelines that will allow schools in Louisiana to start having games at home, the Rebels will host Rebul Academy on Friday, September 18. This will not only be the Rebels first game home game; it will also be their homecoming game. The football players and cheerleaders will be working hard throughout the next week to prepare to play a great game and put on a great show at halftime, so come out and support them or watch the game on the Red River Parish Journal Facebook page. Go Rebels!
Editor’s note: Journal Sports will provide a live video feed of the game on Facebook live. The broadcast of the game will begin about fifteen minutes before kickoff. Text message alerts will go out prior to the game. If you have not signed up for the alerts, you may do so from The Journal’s menu bar. Just click on “Join Text Club” and fill out the form. Or you may click here:
https://form.jotform.com/63427407805154
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