Matt Vines

EAST POINT – Winning is contagious.

And Riverdale Academy coach Denver Williams hopes a junior varsity win can provide a little boost to the varsity squad as they cross the “Mighty Mississippi” to play Porter’s Chapel in Vicksburg.

The junior varsity Rebels, which feature a number of players who earn playing time at the varsity level, outlasted Lafayette County (Ark.) in a 22-20 on Tuesday.

Morgan Moseley scored two touchdowns and converted a pair of two-point conversions to lead the way offensively behind a young offensive line that includes Branson Williamson, Trevor Bell and Eli Hinson.

That trio typically sees significantly playing time on Fridays, something Williams hopes will build confidence as Riverdale (0-5) tries to end a losing streak that dates back to the beginning of the 2025 season.

“I think the JV guys getting a win motivates the varsity players to strive for a win,” Williams said. “PCA is a team fielded with mostly juniors while I have mostly freshman.

“But these guys have a lot of heart, and I think this one will come down to the wire.”

Riverdale junior varsity knows about going down to the wire.

After the Rebels pulled ahead late, Lafayette County scored on the game’s final play to pull within 22-20. But the Rebels stoned Lafayette County on the two-point conversion attempt, preserving the win.

Leading tacklers for the game included Moseley, Bell, Hinson, Ayres Williamson and Trey Crowder, whom also recorded an interception.

“My JV players have shown up every day to practice not knowing if they’d even get to play a JV game, mostly seventh graders, because eight and ninth graders play up.

“It’s not easy showing up and continuing to work in practice knowing you may not be able to hit the field, but they did and it paid off. I’m proud of these young men, and I believe the future of Riverdale is bright.”

Riverdale wants to translate that experience into varsity success tonight against a PCA (1-4) squad that is on a four-game losing skid of their own.

Two of those losses have come by 10 points or fewer, including a 32-22 loss to Louisiana power Briarfield Academy.

Porter’s Chapel has won the last three in the Riverdale series, including 46-6 this past season and a 2023 overtime victory as part of a 12-1 campaign.

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