Matt Vines

EAST POINT – The scoreboard doesn’t measure everything.

That’s how Riverdale Academy football coach Denver Williams approaches the Rebels’ 52-0 loss against a River Oaks squad that is the defending MAIS Class A champions and hadn’t lost a regular-season game in the past two seasons.

Defensive alignment and intensity were two key improvements he wanted to see out of his Rebels, and he said his bunch did get much better in the second week of the season.

“Even though the score doesn’t show it, we played downhill on defense,” Williams said. “We tackled a lot better than we did in the first week.”

The Mustangs (2-0) have built their foundation by mixing in transfers from other successful programs in the area, and River Oaks’ talent took charge early Friday.

River Oaks led 40-0 at halftime before Riverdale (0-2) found their footing for a better second half.

Williams said he and his guys appreciated the support from the home stands in the first home game of the season.

“The atmosphere at a home game is always electric, and we are glad to have such a supportive fan base,” Williams said.

Injuries derailed the first half against Wilkinson County Christian Academy in the opening week, but Williams said the Rebels didn’t suffer injuries in Week 2, just “bumps and bruises.”

That’s critical for a 12-man roster looking for longevity in a game and a season.

Williams said he’s continuing to see a team improve that had just eight practices before the regular-season opener.

Riverdale will take another shot at it this coming Friday when Lafayette County (Ark.) comes to town for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.

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