Matt Vines

EAST POINT – Coming off a disappointing 50-16 loss to rival Claiborne Academy, Riverdale Academy eagerly wants to get back on the right track with four regular-season games remaining.

What awaits the Rebels (1-4) is the best Louisiana team in the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools.

Riverdale heads to Monroe to take on River Oaks (5-0), which has won all five of its games by at least 30 points.

The Mustangs and Rebels have two common opponents – Prairie View Academy and Claiborne Academy so far.

River Oaks is coming off a 60-28 win against Prairie View (beat Riverdale 35-14) and a 50-8 win against Claiborne.

Riverdale coach Nathan Edie said his team took a step back against Claiborne this past week, and they will be looking for forward steps in the final weeks of the season.

“I think our understanding of what needs to be done is there, but the execution is not,” Edie said. “We’ll press on.”

Riverdale’s health on an already-small roster has been an issue this season, and Edie said quarterback Kaidyn Williams hurt his knee against Claiborne.

Williams was limited in the second half, but he should be able to play this week.

Williams started the season splitting time with Ashton Almond at quarterback, but the Week 1 leading rusher, passer and tackler has missed every game but the opener with an injury.

It’s not clear when Almond may be able to return, which means Riverdale must be able to execute in its current formations and tackle well if they are to hang with River Oaks.

Riverdale’s Tanner Carlisle supplied both touchdowns against Claiborne this past week, and he’ll likely play a large role in this week’s offense.

River Oaks coach Bo Barton is in his second season with the Mustangs after more than three decades in coaching in places like Rayville, Caldwell Parish, Tallulah Academy and Prairie View Academy – winning two state titles along the way.

The Mustangs have already surpassed their four-win total from this past season, which included a 50-18 loss to Riverdale.

River Oaks’ Lantavious Murphy rushed for 283 yards and threw for a touchdown and returned a punt for a score against previously unbeaten Prairie View.

He’ll be the focal point again this week.

Riverdale will press on, trying to challenge River Oaks for one quarter, and then another, aiming to get better against what will likely be the best competition they’ve faced so far this season.