Matt Vines

EAST POINT – There were a lot of reasons why Riverdale Academy wanted to win in impressive fashion Friday against Tensas Academy.

The Rebels pitched their first shutout of the season in a 50-0 dominating victory over visiting Tensas in the regular-season finale.

Riverdale (4-5, 2-1 District 3-1A) secured its second-place finish in the district, and because of River Oaks forfeiting all 10 of its wins this season, the Rebels will host a home playoff game in the first round this week.

Riverdale will welcome Union Christian Academy (3-6) on Friday for a 7 p.m. kickoff in the first round of the MAIS Class 1A football playoffs.

But beyond just making (and hosting) a playoff game, the regular-season finale win gives the Rebels a lot of positive vibes about themselves.

Riverdale built a big early lead against Tensas Academy (2-9) and never let up.

“This was definitely our best defensive game of the year, and I think it showed our boys what they are capable of,” said Riverdale coach Nathan Edie. “It’s a big confidence booster for them I hope.

“To shut out a team, any team, is always difficult. I think the boys understand the effort it took to do it and what they must do going forward.”

The shutout, the second straight meeting against Tensas in which Riverdale hasn’t allowed a point, came against a Chiefs squad that dumped 48 points last week on Franklin Academy.

Tensas has shown the ability to score in bunches with at least 20 points scored in four games this season.
Riverdale didn’t have any trouble scoring points Friday as a healthy Rebels squad had its full complement of players.

Ashton Almond and Kaidyn Williams were effective in the running and passing game to spearhead an offense that reached the 50-point plateau for the second time this season.

Both left the Wilkinson County Christian game two weeks ago with injury, and Almond has missed large chunks of the season after suffering an injury early in the season-opener.

“We had a few miscues, but we were successful because we were aggressive up front and we getting our blocks,” Edie said. “Ashton and Kaidyn ran hard, and we were effective in the passing game – it was a just a great performance.”

Riverdale had a “scoring by committee” approach Friday, including senior lineman Logan Gryder getting in the end zone on Senior Night.

The captain and anchor of both lines was part of a four-member senior class that includes Williams, Brayden Pearah and Logan Martin.

“It always feels good to get a win, but there is something a little more special about sending your seniors out with a big ‘W’,” Edie said. “They deserved the recognition for their efforts over the years, and I’m glad they got it,

“But we aren’t done yet, and these boys still have more to prove.”

Other scorers included Almond, Williams, Ben Moseley and Tanner Carlisle. Carlisle returned an interception for a touchdown.