Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – Riverdale Academy dug itself out of an early hole to close within one score at halftime, but the Rebels couldn’t match Wilkinson County Christian Academy in the second half Friday.

WCCA secured the District 3-1A title with a 58-28 win over Riverdale.

The Rebels mounted an early comeback despite losing quarterback Ashton Almond on a kick return after WCCA’s first score.

Almond, who had just made a full return this past week in a win against Franklin Academy, injured his leg and didn’t return.

WCCA (7-1, 3-0) took control in the second half and ran away from Rebels (2-6, 1-1).

“We battled back to get within a score at the half, but they pulled away in the second half,” said Riverdale coach Nathan Edie. “I think we were getting to the point of attack in the first half, but in the second half, they were more aggressive with their linebackers, and we didn’t react.

“Losing Ashton to injury was huge. That was the defining moment in this game when Ashton took a cheap shot to his leg. If Ashton plays the whole game, it’s a completely different game.”

Almond is more than just the quarterback, he’s the leading tackler when healthy. But Almond has played just two full games this season – the opener and this past week against Franklin. Edie said his status for the rest of the season is in question.

Riverdale’s roster is already thin because of a decrease in numbers of players this season, but injuries have shortened the Rebels bench even more.

Edie said Shea Nettles (center/linebacker) and Kaidyn Williams (quarterback/running/defensive back) also sustained injuries Friday. Nettles hurt his hand and Williams his ankle.

Riverdale is going into a bye week before finishing the regular season with Tensas Academy.

“Our focus is really the same it’s been all season – getting healthy,” Edie said. “Right now, we’re focused on Tensas Academy and we’ll focus on the playoffs when they get here.

“We want to finish on a positive note.”

WCCA completed the district sweep of Riverdale, Franklin Academy and Tensas Academy to lock up the district title.

In the second half, WCCA found open space and escape would-be Riverdale tacklers.

“They ran through tackles – we had too many arm tackles,” Edie said. “When we got our hands on them, we couldn’t finish the play.”

Had Riverdale won, the Rebels would have needed to beat Tensas Academy on Oct. 25 in the regular season finale to win the district title. Now that game will be for second place, which still affects playoff seeding.