Matt Vines

EAST POINT – The Riverdale Academy football team knew they had an uphill climb in their season opener against explosive Claiborne Academy.

But the visiting Rebels sprinted out of the gate, scoring 30 points in the first quarter of a 50-6 win over homestanding Riverdale on Friday.

Riverdale coach Nathan Edie said his boys didn’t quit until the final whistle, which provides a foundation upon which to build as the season continues.

“I saw the heart of our team,” Edie said. “They never quit on each other.

“Do we have work to do? Yes. But the boys played hard until the end, and as a coach, this is what you can build on.”

Claiborne’s two-headed monster of Kyler Monk and Dylan Buckner were too much to handle as CA ripped off big plays to take a commanding lead.

Monk threw for two scores and rushed for another while accumulating 161 total yards.

Buckner rushed for 55 yards and added a score.

Receiver Cade Smith was the beneficiary of the defense paying a lot of attention to Monk and Buckner as Smith caught two touchdown passes for 189 total yards.

CA scored the game’s first 50 points in the first three quarters before Riverdale dented the scoreboard with a fourth-quarter touchdown.

Ashton Almond rushed into the end zone to prevent a shutout.

The home Rebels’ small roster size prevents them from practicing tackling much in practice, and Claiborne ran just 16 plays to gain its 404 offensive yards.

Riverdale rotated Almond and Tanner Carlisle at quarterback as the Rebels will try to put the ball in their playmakers’ hands in various ways.

Carlisle was injured in the jamboree this past week but returned to play in the opener.

“Tanner played well at quarterback in a limited role, and his mobility is getting better every day,” Edie said.

“He’s a competitor, and he’s huge for us going into the season.

“Thankfully we stayed healthy in this one with only a couple bumps and bruises that ice will fix.”

Riverdale committed four turnovers (three lost fumbles and a interception), which included an interception returned for a touchdown by Nate Smith (two total touchdowns).

Riverdale (0-1) will get back to work to prepare for a trip to Prairie View Academy this Friday.