Matt Vines

MONROE – Riverdale Academy knew it faced a difficult challenge at River Oaks on Friday, and the Mustangs didn’t disappoint.

River Oaks scored 16 points in the first quarter and added 22 points in the second en route to a 52-0 win.
The Mustangs moved to 6-0 and continued their string of victories by at least 30 points this season.

River Oaks found success through the air and on the ground as ball carriers and receivers alike evaded would-be Riverdale tacklers.

Riverdale (1-5) coach Nathan Edie said his offense did start well, but River Oaks proved to be too much.
“It was definitely a tall task, but I was really happy with the way we came out and competed offensively in the game,” Edie said. “We just needed to keep that mindset.”

It’s the first time Riverdale has been shutout since a 2021 playoff loss to Briarfield Academy.

The script was flipped this past season when Riverdale Academy flexed its might in a 50-18 win, but River Oaks coach Bo Barton in his second season have the Mustangs in a position to compete for a MidSouth Association of Independent Schools title this year.

A young Riverdale squad has been beset by injuries this season, and they missed quarterback Kaidyn Williams after he hurt his knee the previous week against Claiborne Academy.

Williams split quarterback snaps with Ashton Almond to start the season, and Almond finally made his return after not playing since Week 1.

Almond played in a limited role Friday as he eased his way back from a quad injury.

Riverdale will attempt to snap its three-game losing streak when they head to winless Franklin Academy.