By JOHNNY PEPPO

Sports Editor

The Rebels take the field Monday in Reserve when they host the Sterlington Panthers for the regional round of the 2A baseball playoffs.

While both teams captured district runners-up this season, Riverside looks to have the edge with a 24-5-2 season record while the Panthers come into the game 17-9. Led on offense by senior Lee Haydel, the Rebels have been prolific, ending their last game by the fifth inning with a 14-1 win. With pitcher Jonathan Giroir on the mound, Riverside has won all 12 games in which he has started.

These two teams were both beaten by Ouchita Christian in the post-season last year. Riverside went down in the semi-finals while Ouchita lost in the title game to become the state runners-up. This post-season, the Panthers have flown through the first two rounds, first with a 22-0 win over Lake Providence and then with a 6-3 victory over John Curtis. Riverside is coming off of a 14-1 win over St. Martin.