All Louisianans 16 years old or older will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine beginning Monday, March 29, following news from the federal government that Louisiana’s allocation of vaccine doses will significantly increase next week, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced today.

Since the start of the vaccination process, Louisiana’s weekly allocations of vaccine from the federal government have more than doubled, with Louisiana now slated to get more than 148,000 first doses directly next week, in addition to vaccine doses provided to partner pharmacies in a federal pharmacy program as well as the Federally Qualified Health Care Center program. More than one million Louisianans have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. With the B.1.1.7., or U.K. variant, continuing to increase in Louisiana and neighboring states, it is essential to get Louisiana vaccinated as quickly and equitably as possible.

“Based on the doses that we will have available in the coming week, now is absolutely the time to expand vaccine eligibility as broadly as we possibly can, which is to everyone age 16 or older in Louisiana. This is an exciting development, but the hard work of making sure our family members, friends, coworkers and neighbors all have access to the vaccine will continue for months,” Gov. Edwards said. “Our goal has been to get vaccine doses we receive into someone’s arm within seven days of the doses arriving, because a shot sitting on a shelf doesn’t help us end this pandemic. All three available vaccines are safe and effective for every community and they represent our best hope of being able to Bring Louisiana Back.”

Currently, all people in Louisiana who are 65 and older, all health care workers, people ages 16 to 64 with certain health conditions and people 16 or older in certain essential jobs are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Louisiana. Starting Monday, March 29, all of the eligibility guidelines will be dropped in Louisiana and anyone who is 16 or older will be eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Appointments will still be required and providers may need time to update their scheduling systems, which means that people may have to wait a few days to schedule their appointments for next week. There are three authorized COVID-19 vaccines used in the United States: two-dose vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna and a one-dose shot from Johnson & Johnson. People ages 16 and 17 are only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine, and they should consult their primary care doctor or vaccine provider to ensure the proper vaccine is administered.

“I am deeply grateful for Louisiana’s health care workers and vaccine providers who have worked tirelessly not only to treat sick patients, but now to vaccinate our people. This has been an absolutely unprecedented effort and Louisiana’s nurses, doctors and other health care workers have risen to the occasion each and every time they’ve been called upon. I hope people will be patient over the next few days as providers begin accepting appointments. Please know that there will be enough doses for everyone who wants a shot to get one eventually,” Gov. Edwards said.

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The Red River Junior High Bulldog Baseball team played their final game of the season at home against Mansfield. Bulldogs came out on top 9- 2.

It’s been a short season. Most games were cancelled due to winter rain and snow storms.

8th grade team members played their last RRJH game against Mansfield.  They are Rafe Suggs, John Dickie, Tyler Tingle, Luke Williamson, Kenny Thomas and Jacob Kellogg. These boys can’t wait to join the High School Team. 

Pictured front row Jacob Kellogg, Kade Martinez

Kneeling 2nd Row: Elijah Murphy, Braylon Smith, Kole Antilley, and Cody Griggs.

Back row: Coach Chris Cunningham, Rafe Suggs, Brent Danzy, Tyler Tingle, John Dickie, Kenny Thomas, and Luke Williamson.

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On Thursday, Red River residents had a second opportunity to drive through and receive the COVID-19 vaccine.  The event was held at Rivertown Market.

Personnel from the Louisiana National Guard and LSU Health at Shreveport conducted the event.  Locally the parish Office of Emergency Preparedness and the Police Jury took care of logistics.

Some people came for their second Pfizer vaccination.  Others received the one-dose vaccine from Johnson and Johnson.

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By Steve Graf 

Last week we looked at one of Americas best bass lakes by breaking down Lake Fork Texas. This week we’re going to hook up the boat and load the rods and head to Southeast Texas and another legendary bass fishery in Lake Sam Rayburn. I think it’s safe to say that no other body of water gets more pressure than this one. If you’re looking to get your line stretched or catch that fish of a lifetime, Sam Rayburn is the place to go. Anglers can literally lose sleep the night before they launch their boat on this lake. Today I’ll give you a better idea as to what I’m talking about and why this lake continues to rank in the top 5 nationally and has recently been ranked number one by Bassmaster Magazine.

Sam Rayburn is located on the Angelina River just east of Lufkin, Texas. It’s an Army Corp of Engineer lake built in 1965 as part of the development plan for the Neches River Basin. It’s main purpose; flood control and hydroelectric power generation. It had an estimated cost of $66 million which also included recreational facilities all over the lake.

If you looked at the Sam Rayburn calendar of events from January thru September, you’ll see what I mean by fishing pressure. There’s not a single weekend during this entire stretch of time in which there’s not a bass tournament or two. Yet week after week and month after month, Sam Rayburn puts out huge numbers of bass as anglers are known to weigh-in 5 fish limits with as much 40 pounds of bass. It’s common place for anglers to weigh-in 5 fish limits over 25 pounds each and every event. This is another popular lake (like Lake Fork) that you could end up waiting in line to launch your boat.

Sam Rayburn is a bass fishing factory in that you can catch both quality and quantity. It’s loaded with hydrilla (grass) and coontail moss especially south of the 147 bridge. This is a fishery in which you can catch bass deep (20 to 30 feet) or go shallow in the 2 to 5 foot range. You have great structure with humps and ridges, you have cypress trees and bushes in shallow water all over the lake that hold bass when the lake is at pool stage (164.4) or higher. If you’re not sure where to start, main lake points are always a good place and can hold good schools of fish. When you get north of the 147 bridge up to the 103 bridge you’ll find standing timber and it’s in this part of the lake you’ll need to be careful as there’s not a marked boat run. Once you get north of the 103 bridge, you’ll find an abundance of cypress trees, bushes and river type of fishing the farther north you run. If you’re going to Rayburn on a weekend, you might want to avoid both Umphrey Family Pavilion and Cassels-Boykin boat ramps as this is where the majority of the bass tournaments go out of and can be extremely crowded Friday thru Sunday.

One good thing about Rayburn is that there’s no shortage of boat ramps and you can find one just about anywhere that’s close to where you want to fish. One word of caution, Sam Rayburn can get extremely rough when winds blow out of the south/southeast at 15 to 20 mph. But again, you can pretty much find a boat ramp that will allow you to launch your boat safely. Some of my scariest moments as a bass fisherman have been on big Sam when the winds start to blow as this lake is not very forgiving. Bottom line keep an eye on the weather.

Make no bones about it, Sam Rayburn is an awesome body of water that’s full of bass big and small. It’s definitely in my top 3 of the best bass fisheries I’ve ever fished and it continues to amaze myself and other anglers just how good it is even with all the fishing pressure day after day and week after week. Next week, we’ll break down another lake that has a great past in Toledo Bend. Till next time, don’t forget to set the hook!

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ACT Bootcamp is specifically designed to help students increase scores while reducing stress and anxiety on test day. At Riverdale Academy, we currently have an average ACT score of 22 among college bound students. Recently our high-school students were offered an ACT prep class in order to help them prepare for future ACT testing. 

An ACT score over 20 qualifies Louisiana students for TOPS scholarship and higher scores can get more scholarships. For those looking out of state, a 1 to 3 point increase in score can make a huge impact on the merit scholarship offers from colleges and universities. 

When our students were asked what their personal goals were with their ACT scores, many said they wanted to increase their current scores by 2 to 5 points. Bootcamps like this one can provide them with the tools and preparation to do just that. We get excited right alongside our students as we watch them excel and begin to achieve the goals they have set for themselves!

Posted by Riverdale Academy

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Red River High congratulated Girls Basketball Coach Missy Antilley on her team’s victory in the state All Star game.  Antilley was selected as coach of the team.  Her daughter, Kaitlyn was selected as a player.  The school said, “Great job by Coach Antilley and Kaitlyn Antilley.  And the West All Stars winning.”  The West team beat the East team 79-66.

After the games, Todd Martinez posted, “Lots of really good people came together in the midst of a pandemic to put on a great event for our student athletes.  Was so good to have the all-star game again after Covid cancelled last year’s game.  

“Special thanks to Lhsbcanow, Adam Coleman, Dexter Washington, Christopher Kovatch, Todd Russ, Chris Beckman, Vickie Sketoe, Coach Sykes, Coach West, Coach Green, Lyndzee Greene McConathy, Butch Stockton, Kris Goff, LGR Staff and many more.  Thanks to Coach Mason and all of Louisiana College staff for hosting the event.  It is incredible to see what can be accomplished when, what is in the best interest of kids is the ultimate goal.  Well done everyone. Congratulations to all the 2021 athletes on putting on a great show.”

The Journal congratulates Missy Antilley on a successful career coaching the Lady Bulldogs.  And on her many career selections as “Coach of the Year” and coach of various all-star teams.  What a way to end a career with a win in this year’s East-West All-Star Game.

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You’re invited to the Fairview Family Picnic on Saturday, April 3^rd.  The event is from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at the Fairview Ballpark.

Worship Minister Caleb Willis said, “This event will be for all ages. We will have a big easter egg hunt, a hot air balloon (weather permitting), lots of family games and activities, inflatables, bar-b-q, live bands, and a family kickball game.”

Willis added, “It is a completely free event and open to anyone!”

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POSITION AVAILABLE

JOB VACANCIES:

SITE LOCATION(S): Natchitoches Central High School
                   
QUALIFICATIONS: Certification according to State Department of Education as a Guidance Counselor.
   
SALARY: Starting salary:  According to parish school salary schedule.

DEADLINE: Monday, March 29, 2021; 4:00 p.m.

WHERE TO APPLY:
Linda G. Page, Personnel Director
Natchitoches Parish School Board
P. O. Box 16
Natchitoches, LA 71458-0016
(318) 352-2358

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Natchitoches Magnet Job Opening: Kindergarten Teacher

POSITION AVAILABLE

JOB VACANCIES: Kindergarten Teacher

SITE LOCATION(S): Natchitoches Magnet School

QUALIFICATIONS: Louisiana Teaching Certificate
Masters’ Degree Preferred
Minimum – Five years of successful teaching experience.

SALARY: Starting salary: According to parish school salary schedule.

DEADLINE: Thursday, April 1, 2021; 4:00 p.m.

WHERE TO APPLY:
Linda G. Page, Personnel Director
Natchitoches Parish School Board
P. O. Box 16
Natchitoches, LA 71458-0016
(318) 352-2358

EOE

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Four online programs at Northwestern State University have been ranked as the best in the nation by Intelligent.com and another program has been ranked second.  The top ranked programs were the paralegal certificate program, the bachelor’s program in allied health and graduate programs in homeland security and the nurse practitioner concentration within the MSN program. The unified public safety administration program’s concentration in fire science was ranked second. 

Eight other programs were ranked in the top 10. In the Gallaspy Family College of Education and Human Development, The master’s in learning and development was ranked for its concentrations in adult and workforce development, which cover third-ranked training and development and fourth-ranked adult education and learning, number five early childhood education and homeland security and secondary education which were each ranked sixth. 

In the College of Arts and Sciences, the online criminal justice program was ranked fifth and the master’s in English learning language degree was fifth. 

The online accounting degree in the College of Business and Technology was ranked seventh. 

The website ranked Northwestern State was the seventh most affordable institution offering a significant number of online degree programs. 

“We are appreciative for the national recognition of our outstanding online programs,” said Dr. Darlene Williams, vice president for technology, innovation and economic development. “These rankings support Northwestern State University’s commitment to providing a premier experience for our students. I am proud of our faculty and staff who ensure that our academic programs and support services meet a high standard of excellence.” 

The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 1,280 accredited colleges and universities. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. The 2021 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment, and leading third-party evaluations. The methodology algorithm then collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each university. 

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Nita Joy Dupree

July 28, 1937 to March 23, 2021

https://redriverparishjournal.com/2021/03/25/nita-joy-dupree/

Alice Lee Doskocil

June 29, 1935 to March 25, 2021

https://redriverparishjournal.com/2021/03/26/alice-lee-doskocil/

 

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Tonight is our March Fourth Friday Fish Fry at Clara Springs Baptist Camp. Don’t forget we now have DINE-IN as an option on our registration ticket! You must pre-order your plates for either Dine-in or Drive-thru. This is the link to register: clarasprings.wufoo.com/forms/qmcana919qgn9i/ or you can call the camp office 318-796-3875 and leave a message!

From Carol Bennett of the Shreveport Chamber to Red River 4-H members:

Hi Red River Parish 4-H! I wanted to remind you all about “SHOOT HAPPENS!” 2021, our family-friendly, sporting clays tournament on Saturday, March 27th at the Shreveport Gun Club. Youth registration is $75. Register ahead online, call me on 318-677-2510, email me at carole@shreveportchamber.org or come out at 7:30 am on Saturday and sign up!

.facebook.com/events/1996012390540455

Men of Courage Red River has posted the details of Man Church to be held April 8^th. 
Save the date and join us for Man Church at The Shop where you’ll receive a…

• Manly Meal: FREE Fish Dinner!
  • Manly Music: Awesome Worship!
  • Manly Message: Word from the Lord via Dr. Nathan Davis, Pastor of First Baptist Coushatta.

For guys of ALL ages (12-120) so make sure to bring a friend!  
*No RSVP required*

The LifeShare Blood Center will be on-site with the Donor Bus from 5:30p – 9p for blood donations. If you plan to donate, please eat a solid meal, drink plenty of water (little/no caffeine) before donating, and don’t forget to bring your picture ID. All blood donations will benefit the 28 hospitals and treatment centers in Northwest Louisiana.

Spring is here.  There will not be another freeze.  That based upon the old wives tale that when pecan and walnut trees bud out, cold weather is over.  See Below.

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Graveside services for Alice Lee Doskocil, 85, of Coushatta, LA will be held at 10 A.M. Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Bethany Cemetery..  Services under the direction of Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home, Coushatta LA.

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Nita Joy Dupree was born on July 28, 1937 in Coushatta, LA and passed away on March 23, 2021 at St. Francis Hospital in Monroe, LA.  She was the daughter of Mercer B. Dupree, Sr. and Ida Nona Adkins Dupree.  Her services will be held on Friday, March 26th with visitation at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home in Coushatta, LA from 12:30 to 1:30. A graveside service will follow at Clear Springs Cemetery in Martin, LA at 2:00 pm..

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December 22, 1926 to March 21, 2021 (age 94)

The Statesman Viewing was held Wednesday, March 24, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Precious Memories Mortuary Chapel, 4017 Greenwood Road – Shreveport, LA. 71109.

Graveside Services will be Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 12:00 Noon at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 7970 Mike Clark Road – Keithville, LA. 71047.

And He Will Rest Until The Redeemer Returns at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Keithville, LA.

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Shane Young won the District 3 Police Juror race on Saturday.  Young received 125 votes or 54% of the vote.

His opponent, John Lindsey got 105 votes or 46%.  Police Juror from District 3 was the only local race on the ballot. 

Lindsey said, “I would like to thank everyone for their support during the recent policy jury election. If there is ever a time my support is needed, I will be available to assist in any way I possibly could. Thank You.”

The vacancy on the jury came about with the resignation of Jury President Shawn Beard.  He had moved out of District 3, creating the vacancy.  Young had been selected by the jury several months ago to represent the district until the spring election was held.

Parish wide, voters choose from 5 candidates for BESE board District 4.  Shelly McFarland garnered the most votes in Red River, however district wide she finished third.  There will be a runoff between Michael Melerine and “Cassie” Williams on Saturday, April 24th.

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Red River Parish Sheriff Glen Edwards is pleased to announce that Tyler Scott has successfully completed the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office Basic Correctional Peace Officer Training Academy.

In 2016 Deputy Scott earned Level 3 Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Correctional Officer certification while employed at the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and he has been an important part of the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office corrections staff since 2018.

On March 18, 2021 Deputy Scott and thirty-one fellow graduates were awarded Level 2 POST Basic Correctional Peace Officer certification from the State of Louisiana. With the exception of arrest powers, Level 2 Officers are trained and certified to carry out many duties often performed by a Level 1 POST certified patrol deputy.

Deputy Scott did an excellent job representing our agency and community while attending the academy and expectations are that he will continue to do so while fulfilling his departmental duties at the Red River Parish Jail.

Sheriff Edwards would like to congratulate Deputy Scott on this special accomplishment.

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By Hayley Loe

The cold weather this weekend was not enough to stop the Red River Baseball and Softball teams during their tournaments.  Both teams came out victorious bringing in only wins, giving the fans something to cheer about in the stands over the course of 3 days. 

The Lady Bulldogs Softball played Ringgold with a 17-4 win.  Kaitlyn Antilley was 3-4 with 2 RBIs.  Gracie Price hit 2-2 with 2 RBIs.

The Lady Bulldogs then went on to play Pleasant Hill with a 13-2 win.  Elizabeth Hughes was 3-3 with 3 RBIs.  In the Jonesboro-Red River game, the Lady Bulldogs won 20-3 .  Shakiya Davis hit 3-3, with 2 RBI.

For the last game of the tournament the Lady Bulldogs defeated Lakeview with a 20-3 win.  Bryn Danzy pitched all 4 games during the tournament, giving the Bulldogs an amazing weekend for their season.

Coach Zach Thrasher went on to say ¨ The girls played an amazing weekend; we would like to send out a huge thank you to all of our parents and volunteers who helped make this tournament a huge success. Also appreciate all teams participating and showing amazing sportsmanship¨

At this point in their season the Lady Bulldogs are 12-3.  This sets up a chance at hosting their first playoff game in the school’s history.

The Bulldogs baseball team also picked up 4 wins during the Earl Martin Invitational tournament and 4 players were selected to the all-tournament team.  They are Tyler Hughes, Jaylen Grigg, Jonnie Maxie, and Ryder Hogan.

The Bulldogs blew Arcadia out in a 16-0 win.  Colton Massey pitched for the Bulldogs.  And they defeated Castor 15-0 win with Peirce Kellogg pitching.

The Bulldogs continued their reign of terror over Mansfield 16-6 and Saline 15-5. The Bulldogs have now Won 7 games in a row.  They are, 14-1 on the season and are top 6 in 2A.

For fans that did not attend the game, Coach Earl Martin threw the first pitch of the tournament kicking off the weekend of wins for the Bulldogs. RRHS added this to the tournament as well, ¨RRHS is honored to have Red River´s own Coach Earl Martin tossing out the first pitch to start the Earl Martin Baseball Tournament. Once a Bulldog always a Bulldog!”

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The Coushatta COVID-19 vaccine clinic will be held on Thursday, March 25, 10:00am -2:00 pm at Rivertown. 

Rivertown market 
5115 Cutoff road
Coushatta, La 71019

Lsuhs.edu  is where you will find the public registration link.  Please share this link with the public and encourage people to register before the day of the event.  Registering ahead of time is how we gage how much vaccine to bring.  We will bring enough for folks to register on site.

Information provided by the parish Office of Emergency Preparedness.  OEP Director Shane Hubbard said the vaccine administered will be the one-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine. 

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There is a blood drive scheduled at Riverdale Academy today beginning at 8:00 am.  It will be held in the Activities Building. Anyone 16 & up can give. The winter storms really hurt our blood supply so we need everyone who can to try and donate.

Eat a good meal and drink plenty of water! Bring your picture ID.

To make an appointment Lifeshare said to go to their website and CLICK on TICKETS to schedule your donation. Walk-ins are welcome but it sure does help them to know how many are wanting to donate so they don’t run out of supplies.

Another blood drive is scheduled at Social Springs Baptist Church next month.  This drive is on April 11 from 9a to 1p and it’s to benefit Aaliyah Alford who’s fighting leukemia at St. Jude’s in Memphis.

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By Brad Dison

Robert “Bob” Craig needed direction in his life.  School was boring to him.  He craved excitement.  He was an adrenaline junkie.  Bob decided that he had had enough of schooling and quit Butte (Montana) High School in his sophomore year.  He was anxious to get out into the real world. 

Bob enjoyed his newfound freedom from school and he lazed around for a short while.  Pretty soon, though, Bob realized that he needed money to survive.  Bob found employment at the Anaconda Mining Company where he worked as a diamond drill operator in a copper mine.  Shortly thereafter, Bob earned a promotion and drove an earth mover, work he considered unimportant.  Just like school, Bob quickly became bored working in the copper mine.  Bob’s boredom had become too great for him to quell.  Rumors persist that Bob somehow rode a wheelie in his mammoth piece of heavy equipment and ran into Butte, Montana’s main power lines.  The massive machine damaged the power line infrastructure which shut off the electricity in the town for several hours.  Bob’s boss fired him immediately.  Bob liked the rush he got from making the gigantic machine pop a wheelie and searched continually for ways to feel that sort of feeling again. 

On March 7, 1959, twenty-year-old Bob entered in Butte, Montana’s fourth divisional ski jumping championship in the men’s class.  Lou Buckmaster skied down the slope of the long jump, launched, soared through the air using his body movements for steering, and landed the jump successfully.  Officials recorded Lou’s jump at 86 feet.  Paul Maxwell performed his jump with precision and reached a distance of 99 feet.  Bob was the ultimate competitor.  He was determined to win.  Bob shot down the ski slope, used his legs to spring himself higher into the air, and soared toward the bottom of the hill.  His landing was perfect.  Officials recorded his distance at 111 feet.  Of the three people who competed in the men’s class, Bob won by a distance of twelve feet.  Of the seventeen people who competed that day, Bob came in second overall.       

Skiing was fun, but Bob needed money.  Bob went through a host of jobs.  He played with the Charlotte Clippers of the Eastern Hockey League.  He formed, acted as owner, manager, coach, and player of a semiprofessional hockey team called the Butte Bombers.  He ran a hunting guide service and once hitchhiked from Butte to Washington, D.C. carrying a 54-inch set of elk antlers along with a petition to stop the planned slaughter of 5,000 surplus Elk in Yellowstone National Park.  Bob was not an animal rights activist; he had an angle.  Bob’s plan was for the transplantation of the elk to the area where he ran his hunting guide service.  Rather than incurring the expense of transplanting the elk, and in an effort to appease the public, the commission abandoned the planned slaughter.  Bob ran a Honda motorcycle dealership where he offered $100 off the price of a new motorcycle to anyone who could beat him at arm wrestling.  He claimed to have been a swindler, a holdup man, a card thief, and a safe cracker.     

According to former U.S. Representative from Montana Pat Williams, “No one had more guts than Bobby.  He was simply unafraid of anything.”  Bob was good at self-promotion and was always comfortable in the limelight.  Few people remember Bob as a skiing champion, a hockey player, hunting guide, owner of a Honda dealership, or any of the negative jobs Bob claimed to have had.  Even fewer people knew Bob by his real name, but Bob certainly became famous.  Bob once claimed that he “made $60 million, spent 61. … Lost $250,000 at blackjack once. …Had $3 million in the bank, though.”  In the mid-1970s, the Ideal Toy Company released a series of toys and other merchandise based on Bob, which became best sellers and are still sought after.  Hanna-Barbera produced a series of Saturday morning cartoons based on Bob.  Bally created a pinball machine based on Bob.

Bob was an entertainer whose performances were dangerous.  Bob still holds the Guinness World Record for the “Most broken bones in a lifetime.”  According to Guinness, by the end of 1975, Bob had suffered 433 bone fractures.  Bob received most of his bone fractures while performing in front of a live audience.  Bob was a stunt performer and entertainer.  His real name was Robert Craig…Knievel.  The world knew Bob as Evel Knievel.  

Sources:
1.  The Montana Standard (Butte, Montana), March 9, 1959, p.7.
2.  The Montana Standard, November 22, 1961, p.8.
3.  The Montana Standard, December 1, 2007, p.7.
4.  Guiness World Records. “Most Broken Bones in a Lifetime.” Accessed March 12, 2021. guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/most-broken

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By Molly Seales

Riverdale Rebel baseball played three games against Franklin Academy the week of March 15-19.  Unfortunately, they did not pull out a win in any of them.  Pitching depth continues to be a problem for the Rebels, and they can’t seem to string together hits to score runs. Also, with track, golf, and tennis season happening at the same time as baseball, it is hard to get everyone to practice on the same day. During last week’s games, the Rebels turned two double plays-one from Aston Hester and Matthew Seales in game one of the week, and another from Aston Hester and Paul Messenger in game three of the week. In game one, Denver Williams came through with the only hit for the Rebels, and in game two, Garret Wilhite came through with the only hit. In game three, Matthew Seales and Paul Messenger both had base hits in the top of the 1^st inning, but the Rebels were unable to get a run across the plate. Mason Murray led off the top of the 3^rd inning with a line drive to center field. Matthew Seales batted next for a single that moved Murray to second. Two batters later, Brennan Edie got a solid hit and was thrown out, but he collected an RBI as Murray crossed the plate. 8^thgrader Colton Caskey has proven himself to be a solid force at 2^nd base, playing two games with no fielding errors, while 8^th grader Aston Hester and senior Brennan Edie are giving solid performances on the mound. However, with the high school pitch limit, they can only throw so many pitches per week.

The Riverdale Varsity track team traveled to Parkers Chapel High School in El Dorado, Arkansas for a meet on Thursday, March 18^th and competed against athletes from private and public schools. 8^th grader Bryson Smith placed 9^th in the 100 meter dash, while senior Brennan Edie placed 6^th in the 200 meter dash. Junior Jake Messenger placed 3^rd in the 800 meter run. Jake also placed 3^rd in the 110 meter hurdles and 8^th in the long jump. In the girls division, 7^thgrader Alaina Boyd placed 7^th in the 100 meter dash finals, while 9^th grader Georgia Carlisle placed 8^th. In the 200 meter dash finals, junior Rylee Kate Woodard placed 3^rd and Georgia Carlisle placed 6^th.  Woodard also placed 4^th in the 800 meter run.  7^th grader Mary Claire Jones placed 5^th in the 1600 meter run. In the girls 100 meter hurdles finals, junior Kenley Loftin finished 2^nd. In the 300 meter hurdles finals, Kenley took 1^st place. The girls 4 x100 and 4 x 200 relay teams both took 3^rd place. In the long jump finals, 8^th grader Shirley Boyd took 7^th place and Georgia Carlisle took 8^th place. In the discus finals, 8^th grader Jadyn King took 5^th place, Alaina Boyd took 6^th place, and 7^th grader Makayla Pickett took 7^th place. In the girls shot put finals, 9^th grader Emily Cason took 5^th place, Jadyn King took 6^thplace, and 7^th grader Julia Grace Riggs took 7^th place.

The Riverdale tennis team traveled to Prairie View in Bastrop on Monday, March 22^nd. The young Rebel team played well at their second match of the year. The mixed doubles team of cousins, 7^th grader Mary Claire Jones and senior Paul Messenger picked up a district win in their match at this meet.

The Riverdale golf team also traveled on Monday, March 22^nd, but they headed to Tallulah. They won their first tournament of the season. After the scores were added up, Riverdale and Claiborne Academy were tied. Riverdale defeated Claiborne on the first playoff hole by one stroke. Golf team members who were at the tournament included Hanna Catherine Huddleston, Ryder Huddleston, Reagan Huddleston, Caden Long, Ty Jones, Austin Giddens, and Mason Murray.

The Rebel baseball team travels to Vicksburg, MS on Tuesday, March 23 to play Tallulah.  JV and varsity teams both have games.  On Friday, Tallulah comes to Riverdale for a double header that will begin at 2:00 p.m.  The tennis team will travel to Franklin Academy on Thursday, March 25^th for another match, and the JV and varsity track team will travel to Lakeside on Thursday, March 25^th for a meet. It’s a busy week of spring sports for the athletes of Riverdale Academy!

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