By Molly Seales

On Friday night, September 16, the #1 ranked Tensas Chiefs traveled to East Point to take on the #2 Rebels; they left East Point with a 14-12 loss to Riverdale. The game was a defensive game on both sides, keeping the score low, but the Rebels prevailed with the difference being a 2-point conversion after a touchdown.

Assistant Coach Jensen Spillum said, “To knock off the number one team is special, but it’s even better when it’s a district game. We have a very special group of guys that have worked incredibly hard all year. I believe this was our best defensive game as we held a team that averages 46 points a game to just 12 points on Friday. We are always improving offensively and will look to right our mistakes as the season carries on. I could not be prouder of how well those young men are able to fight their way through adversity. Our eyes have always been on making our case for the state championship, and our case is looking good. Now it’s just about limiting mistakes and making the most of our opportunities. Geaux Rebels!”

The Rebel offense was limited due to a strong defensive effort by the Chiefs, but they did enough to get it done. Quarterback Ryder Huddleston was 3 for 9 in passing for 44 yards. Kyle Guillory had 10 rushes for 46 yards, and Ben Almond had 4 rushes for 16 yards and a touchdown. Almond also had a 38-yard punt return for another touchdown. Senior James Wagoner was fantastic on punts for the night. He had 6 punts, averaging 34.33 yards per punts, with 3 punts downed in the red zone.

The defense was where it was at in Marston Stadium Friday night. They had a total of 30 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 pass break ups, and a forced fumble. Junior Hayden Hillman had the best game of his career with 9 tackles, including 2 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks. He also stopped a Chief just short of the goal line to prevent a 2-point conversion after the Chief’s second touchdown, which left the score at 14-12. Freshman Ashton Almond had 6 tackles and 3 assists. Landen Barrett had 4 tackles, including 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack 1, assist, and a forced fumble. Kaidyn Williams had 3 tackles, including 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 1 PBU. Kyle Guillory had 3 tackles, including 2 tackles for loss, 2 assists, and a fumble recovery. Jace Wilhite had 2 tackles, including a tackle for loss and 2 assists. Aston Hester had 1 tackle, 2 assists, and a fumble recovery. Ben Almond had a tackle and a PBU, while Huddleston had a tackle and Tyler Parker had an assist.

Friday at 2:00 p.m. an “Out of this World” themed pep rally will be held in the gym. Later that evening, the Riverdale JV football team will play Northeast Baptist School varsity. The game will begin at 6:00 p.m. at Marston Stadium. Come out and support your JV Rebels!

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