Riverdale falls to Porter’s Chapel at home

Matt Vines

EAST POINT – The Riverdale Academy couldn’t stop its slide Friday as Porter’s Chapel Academy snatched a 46-6 win.

Early in the game when the Rebels still had their legs, Riverdale (0-4) battled and stopped PCA in the red zone on their opening possession.

But the Eagles blocked a Riverdale punt for a safety and scored on their next possession for an early lead.
Porter’s Chapel (2-3), who snapped a three-game losing streak, found success on the ground with more than 300 rushing yards.

“The boys played with a lot of heart,” said Riverdale coach Nathan Edie. “We asked some young players to step up after Ashton Almond went down early.”

Trailing by three touchdowns, Riverdale had a chance to slice into that advantage but PCA made a goal line stand.

PCA running back Lakeland Pecanty ripped off a 98-yard touchdown run in response, building a 30-0 lead late in the second quarter.

Pecanty finished with 215 yards and two touchdowns.

“Scoring touchdowns always sparks a team that is trailing, and holding a team from scoring will do the same thing,” Edie said. “We had a lot of injuries and fatigue, and we couldn’t punch that one in.

“Our tackling is still a problem. We get our hands on runners but can’t get them down. We’ve got defensive linemen learning to play linebacker. The ‘want to’ is there, just not the experience.”

Quarterback Tanner Carlisle connected with Jackson Hillman for Riverdale’s lone score.

Riverdale is back home again this week when Tensas Academy visits.