ANDRE BURL / L’Observateur / November 16, 1998

RESERVE – Riverside crushed Springfield in the first round of the playoffs, 50-8. The 10-0 Rebels played host to the 8-2 Bulldogs each vying for aticket to the big dance in New Orleans.

Riverside plays Pope John Paul next week in the regional playoffs.

The potent offensive power of Riverside, led by talented tailback Casey Remondet and outstanding quaterback Joey Poirrier, prove to be too much for the Springfield Bulldogs at Rebel Stadium Friday Night.

Remondet’s performance was unmistakingly fantastic as he almost single- handecly moved the Rebels into Round 2 of the playoffs by scoring five touchdowns and rushed for over 157 yards in only three quarters.

Riverside took the first quarter kickoff at their own 20-yard line and eight plays later, scored on a 15-yard TD by Rusty Richard and a good PAT by Kaleb Mayes made the score 7-0 in a span of three minutes.

At the 9-minute mark, the Bulldogs took the kickoff at their own 32 and very effectively moved the ball down the field with a combination of good passing and excellent running to the Rebels 26-yard line, but at fourth and five, a stingy Rebels defense held, giving the ball to the Rebels with 4:52 at their own 25-yard line.

From that point, the Rebels shifted their high-powered offense into overdrive and plowed over the Bulldogs as if they were not there. On an11-play drive, highlighted by beautiful Remondet running, the Rebels found thenselves on the 2-yard line in a matter of 3:30 minutes, threathing to score. Casey got the call from the two to score, however, the PAT was nogood making the score 13-0 Riverside.

From this point, it all seemed rehearsed, because Riverside controlled the line and pretty much controlled the ball at will. The second quarter wasthe same as the first, long drives that consumed the clock, ending with Casey Remondet scoring.

At 8:20 left in the second, Casey again took the ball and plowed in from the 2-yard line, followed by a two-point conversion by Remondet, putting the score at 21-0 Riverside.

Hard-hitting by both teams still made the game seemed interesting even though the outcome was already decided. Springfield just could not movethe Rebels an inch either way and somehow coach Mickey Roussel of Riverside knew it, because he praised his team’s ability to control the line and execute.

With a 21-point lead, Riverside exploited all opportunities, and with 7:23 left in the second quarter, a quick three-play drive starting from their own 48 soon became touchdown number three for Remondet in less than 1:30, putting Riverside in a commanding lead, and a good extra point made the score 28-0.

On the kickoff, the Bulldogs stalled and sputtered, forcing them to punt to Riverside. Eight plays later from the Rebels 47, Redmondet scored on a19-yard romp for touchdown number four. Again, the point after was goodand, at 1:15 in the second quarter, Riverside led 35-0.

Touchdown number five for Remondet came in the third with 6:33, on a dazzling sprint from 30 yards out, and a two-point conversion made the score 43-0.

Riverside scored again on an 18-yard run by #Brandon Delaneuville.

Springfield got on the scoreboard, making the final score Riverside 50- Springfield 8.

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