Matt Vines

EAST POINT – The Riverdale football program is acutely aware of how the health of every player can impact their season.

Quarterback/linebacker Ashton Almond battled injuries throughout this past season, and the Rebels had to drastically change their offense particularly when Almond couldn’t play.

It was a key factor in Riverdale’s 5-6 season, and the Rebels aim to stay as healthy as possible this coming season.

Every player’s health will be crucial as the Riverdale roster lists just 12 players currently to play eight-man football, although seven of those players are seniors.

There weren’t enough players to conduct spring practice again this year, and coach Nathan Edie hopes he can add players through the summer.

“Our numbers are unfortunately dropping,” Edie said. “The takeaway from the spring and summer is that we need more players.

“It looks like we’re losing some of our younger players as we don’t have any seventh-graders, two eighth-graders and one ninth grader. We have good players returning, but even good players need a break. Hopefully we find a way to build some depth.”

Almond and Tanner Carlisle are key returning skill players with senior linemen Ben Moseley and Remington Dabbs paving the way.

But every player will be counted on to play both ways in some fashion, and that’s before any potential injuries incurred throughout a physical season.

Healthy bodies are also crucial to productive practices as the current setup wouldn’t allow for full offense vs. defense repetitions.

The coaching staff must be selective on if and how much live tackling happens in practice, which affects the quality of tackling in games.

Edie and his staff will seek to increase numbers while fortifying their current players to play as many snaps as possible.