Matt Vines

MONROE – Riverdale Academy couldn’t find a way to slow down an MAIS title contender in River Oaks as the Mustangs secured a 52-6 win on Friday.

The Rebels were without starting quarterback Tanner Carlisle for the first time this season although Carlisle has battled a leg injury all year.

Ashton Almond went back under center, a position where he’s been the past two seasons, and accounted for Riverdale’s lone touchdown of the night.

River Oaks, who forfeited most of its wins in 2024 for playing an ineligible player, would have been a prime title contender in Class 2A this past season.

Now the Mustangs are determined to make a run at the title, and they improved to 5-0 with Friday’s win.
For Riverdale, Friday’s game was just another against a top MAIS opponent.

The Class 1A Rebels, who have battled roster size problems, have faced Class 2A members Prairie View, Claiborne and River Oaks.

Those opponents may not appear on future schedules after rules changes don’t award bonus points for playing up in class.

“The rules changes work in (Class 2A members) favor now, and when we got the bonus points, it was worth playing,” Edie said. “But now there’s zero benefit to us playing bigger schools, and it’s costing us physically.”

The heat is finally subsiding somewhat now that the calendar turned to October, which helps slightly as a small Riverdale roster can play deeper into games more effectively.

Riverdale will be on a more level playing field in the final three games of its season with Wilkinson County Christian Academy, Tallulah Academy and Union Christian left on the slate.