Matt Vines

EAST POINT – Friday’s Senior Night ending isn’t what Riverdale expected or hoped for, but seniors did account for every score in a 56-36 loss to Union Christian Academy.

Seven seniors ended their careers Friday as Riverdale (0-9) battled all season but couldn’t find a way to get into the win column.

Ashton Almond scored three touchdowns while Zane Givens and Tanner Carlisle each accounted for one score.

“One turning point is when we had a turnover, and Union Christian turned it into a quick touchdown to take the lead,” said Riverdale coach Nathan Edie. “UCA recovered an onside kick in the second half that created an opportunity for them.”

The loss snaps a seven-game winning streak against Union Christian, who logged their first win of the season in the final.

The 36 points is a season-high for a team that crossed the 30-point mark twice but was also shut out three times.

Riverdale’s small roster size and mounting injuries ultimately took its largest toll on defense, where the Rebels surrendered season-highs of 58 points (Tallulah Academy) and 56 points (UCA) in its final two games.

Edie said entering the game that UCA is known for throwing the ball down the field, and the Rebels couldn’t limit the big plays enough to keep.

Joining Almond, Carlisle and Givens in the senior class includes Tyler and Mason Wilhite along with Ben Moseley and Remington Dabbs.

“As a coach, you just hope to see progress in your players and the will to persevere through setbacks,” Edie said. “It felt like we were behind the 8-ball from Day One with injuries to vital players before the season even started.

“The heart and determination shown by these boys all year was undeniable. I feel like the returning players learned a lot from the older players. Not only about football but about battling through adversity and to just keep working. I hope the young players are able to continue showing that in their careers and continue to grow as young men.”

Those seniors were part of 14 wins in the two previous seasons.

The Rebels won at least nine games for four straight seasons from 2020-23.

Riverdale won’t make the playoffs for the first time since 2018.