Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – The second half of Riverdale Academy’s 34-14 win against Franklin Academy featured the closest version of what the Rebels had envisioned for themselves this season.

The Rebels (2-5) pitched a defensive shutout with linebacker Ashton Almond let loose on that side of the ball after playing strictly offense in the first half.

While Riverdale couldn’t say they were fully healthy (linebacker Shea Nettles was out), the Rebels were as close as they have been since the season opener.

All of that frustration and disappointment of a five-game losing streak can truly be let go if the Rebels are able to pull off a win this week against Wilkinson County Christian Academy (7-1, 2-0 District 3-1A).

The matchup is for the district title as WCCA has already dispatched of the league’s other two members in Franklin Academy and Tensas Academy.

Riverdale must beat WCCA and finish the regular season with a win against winless Tensas to claim the crown.

“This week’s game is huge as far as winning a district title,” said Riverdale coach Nathan Edie. “I think the adversity has allowed some players to step up and learn other positions.

“Defensively, I think the return of Almond has boosted their confidence. Offensively, we looked a little confused at times and had several missed plays. But it’s nothing we can’t tighten up this week.”

Riverdale has claimed two of the last three meetings against WCCA as part of seasons in which the Rebls have won at least nine games.

Both Riverdale quarterbacks Almond and Kaidyn Williams have missed time, and with most players playing on both sides of the ball, defensive disruptions via injuries have loomed large as well.

Linemen have also missed time, but Edie says having other players fill in means the Rebels will be more versatile in the final weeks of the season.

The Rebels will see a WCCA squad that hasn’t allowed an opponent to score more than 24 points save for its only loss of the season to Ben Ford’s Christian (58-40 loss).

WCCA has scored at least 40 points in six of their eight games.

A depleted Riverdale team has had four of its five losses be more than 30 points (with both wins coming by at least 20 poitns), but the Rebels are forging ahead healthy heading into the second-to-last regular season game of the season.

“Having everyone back this week was huge, and it showed us everything we need to work on going forward,” Edie said.

Riverdale catches a bye week after WCCA before hosting Tensas in the regular-season finale.