By Molly Seales

The Riverdale Rebels finally earned it-the number one ranking in Class A in the Impact Sports Coaches Poll. The same night they traveled to Franklin Academy taking care of more business, defeating the Cougars 50-18 to improve to 2-0 in district. It was a great effort on offense and defense for the Rebels, and with the win, they should remain at #1.

Offensively, the Rebels had a total of 519 yards and 7 touchdowns. Quarterback Ryder Huddleston was 6 for 11 in passing for 76 yards and 2 touchdowns. Ben Almond had 2 receptions for 20 yards and a touchdown, while Kaidyn Williams had a reception for a 25-yard touchdown. Jace Wilhite had 2 receptions for 25 yards, and big man Hayden Hillman had a reception for 1 yard. Kyle Guillory was on fire on the ground, rushing for 208 yards on 14 carries and scoring 3 touchdowns. Huddleston had 7 carries for 55 yards, and Ben Almond had 4 carries for 17 yards and a touchdown. Williams had a carry for 15 yards and a touchdown, while Landen Barrett had a carry for 5 yards. Ben Almond had 2 punt returns for 77 yards. Williams had a kickoff return for 12 yards and Guillory had a kickoff return for 50 yards.

The Rebels also put forth a strong defensive effort. Freshman Ashton Almond led the charge with 4 tackles, including 3 TFL’s and 2 assists. Hillman had 3 tackles, including a TFL and 3 assists. Williams had 3 tackles, including 1 TFL and an assist. Guillory had 2 tackles, 2 assists, and a fumble recovery. Barrett had 2 tackles, including a TFL and 2 assists. Ben Almond had a tackle, while Huddleston had 2 tackles and a sack. James Wagoner had a tackle and 2 PBUs, while Aston Hester had 2 assists and an interception. Jace Wilhite had a great defensive game with a tackle, an assist, 4 PBUs, and an interception.

This weekend will be homecoming at Riverdale Academy. At 5:30 p.m. on October 7, there will be an alumni reception honoring the classes of 1972, 1982, 1992, 2002, and 2012. This year’s homecoming court will be presented at 6:00, followed by the kickoff at 7:00 p.m. Make plans to come out and support your Rebels!

Photo credit: Leslie Johnson.

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