Matt Vines

EAST POINT – Riverdale Academy’s seven seniors have been through it in their football careers.

From playing supporting roles on a nine-win Riverdale squad with a much bigger roster to scratching and clawing to put the Rebels back in the second round of the playoffs in 2024.

Now these seniors will play what is perhaps their final football game looking to put one in the win column when Union Christian visits Friday.

Riverdale (0-8) and Union Christian (0-8) are looking for their first wins of the season.

“This group of seniors have been some of the most resilient players over the years,” said coach Nathan Edie. “From taking their lumps in the early years to persevering through struggle the last couple years.

“These boys never quit on each other, and that spirit is what they will be known for.”

The playoffs still aren’t out of the question.

A Riverdale win and a Franklin Academy (3-5) victory over Heritage Christian (1-6) would send the Rebels to the playoffs as the No. 12 and final seed.

More than just a playoffs appearance and at least one more week together, Edie wants his players to taste victory at least one more time for a group that’s been part of 24 victories the past three seasons.

“To get the win this week would mean a lot for the boys,” Edie said. “Through all the struggles, to go out on Senior Night and get a win would be a great end to the regular season.

“These boys want to play a little more football, and a win keeps us alive for a playoff spot.”

They’ll face a Union Christian team in the same boat, a team that’s come close to one win (six-point loss to Tensas Academy) but that’s still dangerous.

“UCA likes to throw the football, and they have very good receivers,” Edie said. “Their quarterback is a good athlete also and can throw the ball down the field.

“We will definitely have to keep them from hitting the deep ball against us and keep the quarterback from running around and making plays. If it turns into a backyard football game, we will struggle. If we stay disciplined, we put ourselves in a better position.”

Riverdale similarly has a few close calls – a six-point loss to Tensas Academy in what looked like Riverdale scored the go-ahead touchdown late before a penalty wiped it out.

The Rebels seemed to make strides in a 44-20 loss to Wilkinson County Christian two weeks later, but those gains evaporated in Riverdale’s 58-point loss to Tallulah Academy this past week.

Now the Rebels get one more shot at a win against a team that they’ve beaten seven times in the last six years dating back to 2019.