By Matt Vines, Journal Sports

FRANKLIN – If Ashton Almond’s value wasn’t measured before Friday night, there was a clear demonstration of it in Riverdale Academy’s 34-14 victory at Franklin Academy.

Almond returned as a full participant, playing quarterback in the first half but not playing on defense as he worked his way back into game shape.

Franklin Academy led 14-12 at halftime, but Riverdale coach Nathan Edie decided to let Almond assume his linebacker spot on defense in the second half.

The result? The Rebels pitched a second-half shutout and outscored Franklin 22-0 after halftime.

“The defense tightened up in the second half, and we pitched a shutout,” Edie said. “We struggled in the first half, but in the second half, I decided to let Ashton play defense.

“We looked like a completely different unit. He’s just a ball hawk and always finds his way to the ball.”
Almond, who returned in limited action this past week against River Oaks, hadn’t played since the season opener in which he was the leading tackler and rusher.

Riverdale (2-5, 1-0 District 3-1A) didn’t play totally healthy as Shea Nettles, a center and linebacker, missed the Franklin (0-7) game with an injury.

But Almond’s return allowed players like Kaidyn Williams and Tanner Carlisle to use their athleticism to impact the game in different ways than without Almond.

“Ashton was our primary quarterback against Franklin, and having both he and Kaidyn available let’s us make spread the field and use their athleticism to make plays,” Edie said. “It also forces the defense to keep more players in the box, which opens the passing game up for Tanner.”

The win snapped a three-game losing streak in which Riverdale lost to Porter’s Chapel Academy, Claiborne Academy and River Oaks.

By starting district play off with a win, Riverdale will now be in line for a shot at a district when Wilkinson County Christian Academy visits next week.

WCCA (6-1, 2-0) already has wins over other district members Franklin and Tensas academies, both of which are winless this season.

A WCCA victory next week secures the district title while Riverdale would need to beat WCCA and Tensas Academy in the finale.