By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

The first time Riverside locked up with Newman this season, it was a slugfest decided in the late innings.

And Rebels Coach Britt Waguespack expects nothing different when the teams lock up tomorrow at Riverside.

“It’s going to come down to which team swings the bats better. Just like the last time,” Waguespack said.

If the Rebels can be that team tomorrow, it will go a long way in punching the team’s playoff ticket. After losing to John Curtis for the second time last Thursday, the Rebels would need the Patriots to suffer three losses to have a shot at the District 10-2A crown.

But a win over Newman would give Riverside (9-16-1) a potential two game lead in the loss column on the Greenies (12-11-1, 4-3), and St. James (5-11, 3-3), depending on Tuesday’s results.

(See REBELS, Page 9A)

Because only the top two teams from a given district qualify for automatic berths in Class 2A this season, second place carries more meaning – specifically, not having to rely on being selected as a wildcard to get in.

    As in the last game between the teams, Wade Delaneuville (3-4) will start on the mound for the Rebels, with Jade Falgoust waiting in the wings in relief.

    “We’ve been keeping both on hand to keep them from wearing out,” Waguespack said.

    The 10-2A race looked to be a tough one this season, and it hasn’t disappointed. While Lusher (0-6 in 10-2A) and Fisher (1-5) have fallen to the brink of playoff elimination, Curtis, Riverside, St. James and Newman are all very much alive.

    “In this district, anyone can beat any other given team,” said Waguespack. “That’s just how it is.”