By Molly Seales

On Friday, October 21, the Franklin Academy Cougars came to Riverdale to take on the Rebels for senior night, and the Rebels were ready for them, coming away with a 48-6 win. Seniors Ben Almond, Colton Massey, Tyler Parker, James Wagoner, and Jace Wilhite were team captains for the night. They, along with senior cheerleaders captain Emma Clemons, Jessie Kate Cobb, co-captain Molly Seales, and Baylee Whittington, were honored before the game. It was a great night for our seniors.

Offensively, the Rebels had a total of 373 yards for 7 touchdowns. Quarterback Ryder Huddleston was 3 for 5 in passing for 17 yards. Ben Almond had a reception for 14 yards, and Kyle Guillory had a reception for 1 yard. Almond also had a punt return for 29 yards. The Rebels rushed for 356 yards. Guillory had 5 carries for 163 yards and 3 touchdowns. Almond had 4 carries for 77 yards and a touchdown, while Kaidyn Williams had 7 carries for 47 yards and a touchdown. Landen Barrett had a carry for 30 yards and a touchdown, James Wagoner had a carry for 10 yards, and Huddleston had 4 carries for 27 yards. On his senior night, Jace Wilhite had a carry for 2 yards and his first career touchdown.

Defensively the Rebels were just as effective, having 34 tackles, 5 TFL, and 6 quarterback sacks. Huddleston was very active on defense as well as offense with 5 tackles (3 TFL,) and 5 assists. Barrett had 5 tackles and 2 sacks, while Williams had a tackle and an assist. Wagoner had 2 tackles, Tyler Parker had a tackle, an assist, and a sack, and Aston Hester had an assist. Wilhite was on fire on defense with 5 tackles, 1 assist, and broke up 4 passes. Colton Massey had 2 assists, and Ben Almond had 2 tackles. Guillory had 4 tackles (2 TFL) and 1 sack. Junior Hayden “Big Meat” Hillman had 4 tackles, 4 assists, and a sack, while freshman Ashton Almond had 5 tackles, 3 assists, and a sack.

The Rebels will begin their playoff run at home on Friday night, October 28. They will play Sharkey-Isaquena, and kickoff will be at 7:00 p.m. Come out and support your Rebels as they begin their road to Jackson!

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