By Molly Seales

After two weeks off, one for a forfeit from Rebul and one for a bye for the first round of the playoffs, the Riverdale Rebels are ready to hit the field Friday night to take care of unfinished business as the Tensas Chiefs come to East Point.

Last year, the Rebels came up short to powerhouse Manchester Academy to be Class AA state runner-up. But they are not satisfied with 2^nd place. This year they have put in the work. They have made plays when they needed to. They have persevered. Most of all, they are hungry for the taste of victory in the form of a state championship ring.

I caught up with some of our senior boys to get their thoughts on the upcoming playoff game Friday. Reagan Huddleston, who joined the team later in the season said, “I’m really pumped to play Friday night in our first playoff game. I hope everyone who can will come and support and watch the show we will put on.” Expect big things from Huddleston. He led the team in solo tackles with 7 against WCCA.

Ty “Bones” Jones is also very positive. He said, “I feel good going into our first playoff game of the year. We’ve had a couple of weeks off to get fresh and healthy. We’ve had a good week of practice, and we are just all ready to play.” Expect Jones, who has been a defensive beast all season to be ready to do whatever he needs to do to win.

Kaden Cason has big goals. He said, “It’s an excited but nervous feeling. It’s my last year to have a chance to win it all, and I know my boys will have my back until we are holding that blue trophy together.” Look for Cason to be blocking on the o-line as he has done all year.

The final senior I talked to, Chandler Nettles, was a man of few words. He simply said, “Let’s run it up.” Look for Nettles to leave it all on the line Friday night. Senior Denver Williams, who has been a team leader since his freshman year told me, “I believe we are not short of being ready for this game. I hope everyone can come out and show their support for us. I still plan on seeing everyone under the Friday night lights next week.”

The players aren’t the only ones pumped up. Head coach Jared Smelser said, “Playoff time is about perfecting the skills, playing sound ball, and limiting mistakes. It has to be about passion, heart, and refusing to lose. This team finds ways to win. Tensas will be a better team than the first time we played them this year, and the players know it. Tensas coach Jason Williams is a good coach and will have the Chiefs ready. Friday will be the first time we have played a game in three weeks, so we have to be mentally prepared. The past few years this has become a grudge match, so throw out the scores from previous games. They have athletes that can hurt us or any team. Our defense takes pride on being physical and wants to impact the game. Offensively we will give different looks. Sophomore Kyle Guillory is a key piece of the offense, and he wants to prove it. Coach Jensen, Coach Nathan, Coach Cody, and Coach Winn have done an amazing job preparing the guys for Friday. I think our guys still feel disrespected and that they have something to prove.” Assistant Coach Jensen Spillum agreed. Coach Jensen said, “Our guys are hungry and ready to make a run. We have talented and hardworking players who have plenty of fight. Go Rebels!”

A black out pep rally will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday. Our senior football players and cheerleaders will be honored at this pep rally. All are welcome to attend-please wear as much black clothing as you can! Later that night, the #2 seeded Rebels will take on the Tensas Chiefs, who has the #7 seed in the playoffs. Kickoff will be at 7:00 p.m. Friday night in East Point.

Admission for the playoff game will be $8.00 for adults and students from 1^st grade and up. As per MAIS rules, the only passes that will be honored are WHITE LIFETIME PASSES and RED MAIS PASSES. Rebel Club and gray MAIS passes cannot be used at playoff games. Please come out and support your Rebels as they seek to take their first step toward a shot at the championship!  Let’s do this, guys!