By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

After four straight losses, including a overtime heartbreaker to Newman a week ago, Riverside desperately needed a victory as it traveled to Christian Life.

The Rebels would not return home disappointed.

Jarid Caesar rushed 12 times for 130 yards and three touchdowns as Riverside defeated Christian Life, 55-22.

“The last five weeks have been tough,” said Riverside Coach Mickey Roussel. “We’re battle tested. This was one of our better efforts defensively, and we were able to do some things well offensively.”

Jade Falgoust and Remi Poirrier were also big factors in a Rebels’ running game that CLA had no answer for. Falgoust added 62 yards and two touchdowns on eight attempts. Poirrier ran five times for 97 yards and a touchdown. Wade Laiche also ran for a touchdown.

Roussel was pleased with the recent efforts of Poirrier, who topped 70 yards a week ago.

“He’s run well the past few weeks,” Roussel said. “It’s very good for us to have another threat back there with Jarid and Jade.”

Riverside (5-4, 0-3) got out to a fast start after scoring on its first possession, and coasted from there. Caesar scored on first quarter runs of 28 and four yards to put the Rebels up 14-0. Caesar’s second touchdown was set up by his own efforts on defense – his interception placed the ball the 23 of Christian Life (3-6).

Falgoust added an 18-yard scoring run before the quarter’s end, making it a 21-0 Rebels lead entering the second quarter.

Riverside’s first scoring drive of the second quarter saw the offense take over at its own four yard line, and march 96 yards in nine plays before Poirrier scored from four yards away to make it 28-0.

Caesar’s third touchdown, this time from four yards away, made it 35-0 at the half.

Riverside’s last touchdown came on a Bobby Smith 99-yard interception return for a score.

Roussel praised the efforts of linebacker Blake Terrio and defensive back Jordan Rebaldo defensively, each of whom made a number of plays and were around the ball all night.