By Molly Seales

It was a beautiful night for the Riverdale Academy homecoming football game and court presentation on Friday, September 18.  Before the game, the 2020 homecoming court was presented.  Freshman Maid was Madison Chamberlin, daughter of Rob and Stephanie Chamberlin.  It was a special night for mother and daughter as her mom Stephanie was honored as a member of the class of 2000.  Sophomore Maid was Emma Clemons, daughter of Charles and Casey Clemons.  Junior Maid was Rylee Kate Woodard, daughter of Bo and Marie Woodard.  Senior Maid was Tinley Ogden, daughter of Stephen and Jamie McCoy.  Football Sweetheart was Ronda Black, daughter of Bobette Black.  Crown Bearer was Hadley Brice, daughter of Jake and Ashton Brice, and Football Bearer was Jesse Jowers, son of James and Jessica Jowers.  This year’s homecoming queen was Pacey Lindsey, daughter of John and Christie Lindsey.  She was crowned by a member of the first graduating class of Riverdale, Mrs. Cissy Cox. 

Riverdale took on the visiting Rebul Raiders from Learned, Mississippi and showed them who owned the field.  Riverdale jumped out to a huge first quarter lead and never looked back, defeating the Rebul Raiders 54-6.  Coach Jared Smelser began subbing in his second team late in the first quarter and gave them some valuable minutes to gain experience for the future. 

Senior quarterback Witt Almond was once again on top of his game for the hometown crowd.  He completed 3 of 4 passes for a total of 103 yards and 2 touchdowns.  On the receiving end senior Parker Almond also made a good showing in his final homecoming football game. He had 2 catches for 85 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Ty Jones had 1 catch for 11 yards and James Wagoner had 1 catch for 7 yards.  Witt also had 77 rushing yards on 3 carries and scored a touchdown.  Senior Paul Messenger dominated on carries with a total of 10 carries for 165 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Jake Messenger had 1 carry for 16 yards and a touchdown.  Tyler Hodgin had 4 carries for 28 yards.  Riverdale had 389 total yards on the night.  Riverdale had one other senior football player, Brennan Edie, who was unable to play due to a shoulder injury, but he was on the sidelines encouraging his teammates the entire game.

The Riverdale defense was on fire for homecoming, holding the Rebul team to 1/5 in passing and a total of only 103 yards and 1 touchdown.  Junior Jake Messenger had 2 solo tackles, 2 assists (3 TFL,) 1 FF, and 1 fumble recovery.  Paul Messenger was in on the defensive action with 9 assists, while his cousins Parker Almond and Ben Almond had 1 assist each.  Ty Jones was in on the action with 3 solo tackles, 5 assists (4 TFL,) 1 FF, and 1 fumble recovery.  Kyle Guillory had 7 assists, Tyler Hodgin had 5 assists, and Kaden Cason had 3 assists. James Wagoner had 2 solo tackles and 7 assists, and Jaxon Gates had 1 solo tackle and 3 assists. Tyler Parker had 1 solo tackle and 6 assists, including 1 TFL.  Denver Williams and Hayden Hillman each had 4 assists, and each had 1 TFL.  Ryder Huddleston had 3 solo tackles and 6 assists, including 2 TFL.  8^th grader Logan Gryder finished the defensive effort with 1 solo tackle and 1 assist.  Out of these defensive players, only 2 are seniors, so the defense should be outstanding next year as well.

Riverdale cheerleaders and elementary and junior high students performed  a Disney-themed halftime show, and alumni from the classes of 1980, 1990, 2000, and 2010 were honored with a reception before the dance.  As always, it was a great night to be a Riverdale Rebel!