By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

Jesse LeBlanc scored three goals and had two assists as Riverside won its district opener on Monday, defeating Houma Christian 5-4.

Matt Graves and Gene Burns each scored goals in the win for the Rebels (1-2, 1-0). Ben Plaisance notched an assist.

The Rebels led 4-0 at the half and established a 5-0 lead before Houma Christian closed the gap, but fell short.

“They were able to come back on us late with some quick goals after we got the lead. But this was a major improvement from the previous two games,” said Riverside Coach Daniel Waguespack.

Waguespack credited Nick Moock as the team’s top defender in the game.

“He played very well. He was very aggressive for us,” Waguespack said of Moock, who had six shots on goal.

Another key contributor was Logan Ballard, who Waguespack called his anchor at midfield.

“He was one of the keys for us,” said Waguespack. “He was very aggressive, and won his battles to get us possession.”

LeBlanc’s goals included one straight shot from 45-yards away.

Waguespack said that a very productive week of practice following the team’s 0-2 start was crucial in the Rebels’ turnaround in play.

“We were able to do some things,” he said. “The team is starting to understand the things we have to do to continue our improvement.”