Matt Vines

After two long road trips to Northeast Louisiana, Riverdale Academy returns home with the goal of evening its record Friday against Porter’s Chapel Academy on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

The Rebels (1-2) mounted an explosive rushing attack to record its first win of the season in a 54-20 decision at Union Christian Academy this past week.

Kaidyn Williams and Tanner Carlisle led the way on the ground as Riverdale racked up 404 of its 423 offensive yards via the run.

Carlisle, who missed this past week, made a key play in the game when he took an option pitch 38 yards in the second quarter to build on Riverdale’s 16-14 lead.

Starting with Carlisle’s touchdown, Riverdale outscored UCA 38-6 over the final two-and-a-half quarters.
The Rebels defense found its groove after trading scores with UCA (1-1) early, holding the home team to 225 total yards. Williams (15 tackles, 1 interception) and Carlisle (9.5 tackles) also spearheaded the defensive charge.

Riverdale will face a Porter’s Chapel (1-2) squad that also had a major shift in its defensive performance from previous weeks.

PCA, which had surrendered 74 and 58 points in its first two losses, clamped down in a 22-8 win against Prentiss Christian.

Riverdale is still seeking the return of starting quarterback and linebacker Ashton Almond, who has missed the past two weeks.

Mixing in Almond (if he comes back) with the emergence of Williams and Carlisle could be the boost Riverdale needs to overcome a Porter’s Chapel bunch that escaped with a 26-18 double-overtime win this past season.