By Molly Seales

Friday night, October 16, the senior football players were honored at their last regular season home game, and they left the field with a performance that will not soon be forgotten.  The RA Rebels took charge early in the first quarter and never let up, defeating Claiborne by a score of 52-6, which guaranteed them first place in district.

As it has been all season, the Rebel offense was strong. Senior quarterback Witt Almond was 4 for 10 in passing for 83 yards and one touchdown.  Witt also had 2 carries for 26 yards.  Senior Paul Messenger carried the ball 18 times for a total of 159 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Junior Jake Messenger carried the ball 6 times for 77 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Jake also had 1 reception for 30 yards.  Ty Jones had 1 reception for 7 yards and scored a touchdown.  Parker Almond had 3 receptions for 46 yards. Parker also had a 65-yard punt return for a touchdown.  The Rebels had a total of 385 offensive yards on the night.

The defense put up a stellar performance as well.  Paul Messenger had 5 solo tackles, 2 assists, and a ½ sack (1 TFL.)  Jake Messenger had 2 solo tackles, 8 assists (1 TFL,) an interception, and 2 PBU.  Parker Almond had 1 solo tackle, 1 assist, 2 PBU, and an interception for a 29-yard touchdown.  Brennan Edie had 2 solo tackles and 4 assists (1 TFL.)  Denver Williams had 2 solo tackles and 2 assists (1 TFL.)  Ty Jones had 7 assists and two ½ sacks (2 TFL.)  Ben Almond had 1 PBU and Kyle Guillory had 1 solo tackle.  Tyler Parker had 1 solo tackle and 1 assist.  Ryder Huddleston had 3 solo tackles and 3 assists (1 TFL.)  Hayden Hillman rounded out the defense with a ½ sack (TFL.)  The Rebels held Claiborne to only 36 rushing yards, 38 passing yards, and 1 touchdown.  They had 2 interceptions and 2 sacks for a loss of 9 yards.

At halftime the senior cheerleaders put on a great performance with their senior dance.  The seniors were then joined by the rest of the cheer team so they could all dance together one last time at home for senior night.

The Rebels will travel to Jackson, Mississippi on Friday for a 3:00 p.m. game against Mississippi School for Deaf.  After this game, the Rebels will begin to practice hard for the playoffs.