By Molly Seales

On Friday, November 11, the Riverdale Rebel football team, cheerleaders, and loyal fans made the five hour drive to Marianna, Arkansas, for the semi-final game against Lee Academy. Although the outcome wasn’t what we had hoped for with Lee coming away with the 42-24 win, we are still so proud of these boys on a fabulous season. The Rebels seemed to be in control of the game, having a 24-8 lead midway through the 3^rd quarter, and then Lee came alive and quickly took control of the game.

Offensive stats were not available, but the defense gave a valiant effort against Lee. Senior Jace Wilhite gave a fantastic performance in his last game with 6 tackles, 2 assists, and a PBU. Senior Ben Almond had a tackle and an assist. Judging by the stats, the Rebels have a great chance to make it all the way to the championship next year. Freshman Ashton Almond had six tackles, including a TFL. Sophomore Kaidyn Williams had 4 tackles, 4 assists, and a TFL, while sophomore Aston Hester had 2 tackles and an assist. Junior Kyle Guillory had 5 tackles including 5 TFL and 2 assists, while junior Hayden Hillman had 3 tackles with a TFL and 2 assists. Junior Landen Barrett had 3 tackles, 1 assist, and sacked the quarterback, while junior Ryder Huddleston had a tackle.

Assistant Coach Jensen Spillum, who is leaving Riverdale after three years to concentrate on finishing his college degree, has become a part of the Riverdale family and won’t be forgotten. His dedication and love for his players and this school while juggling college classes is a true testimony to his character. I asked Coach Jensen for his thoughts on the season, and he said, “Words cannot begin to describe the pride I have in those young men and what they were able to accomplish this season. In the summer, they were counted out and predicted to win a few games-a ‘rebuilding year.’ Every single week there was adversity, and they conquered it. This group of guys showed me what it’s like to beat the odds and to bet on yourself. I am incredibly proud of the way the upperclassmen stepped up into large roles left empty by great seniors the year prior. This group of seniors did an outstanding job of being leaders for the team and showing the young guys what it took to win games. Week in and week out the team was self sufficient in motivation and determination. I am going to miss this team so much, but I have joy knowing that they continue the tradition they have helped create at Riverdale. The culture at Riverdale is unrivaled, and that is a winning culture.” Coach Jensen will be missed more than he knows!

We will really miss our senior football players Ben Almond, Colten Massey, Tyler Parker, James Wagoner, and Jace Wilhite and our senior football cheerleaders Emma Clemons, Jessie Kate Cobb, Molly Seales, and Baylee Whittington. Thank you all for the wonderful memories, and best of luck in the future!