Rebels preparing for Reed, Brusly

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, September 15, 2010

By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

RESERVE — After a pair of high-scoring affairs, Riverside seeks to remain undefeated on Friday night when it travels to Class 3A Brusly.

Riverside defeated the Panthers in Reserve a year ago behind quarterback Darnell Rachal’s three rushing touchdowns. This season, the Rebels hope to get Rachal going again while hoping to maintain a stronger defensive effort than the score in Friday night’s 40-27 win over North Vermilion indicated — Riverside led 40-12 before giving up two fourth quarter scores, and allowed a defensive score in the first quarter.

“The defense played better,” said Riverside coach Mickey Roussel of a unit that struggled in a season opening win over White Castle. “I was especially happy that we slammed the door in the third quarter. Up 14-6, we exploded with four quick scores.”

Riverside made big gains in the passing game after letting its rushing attack do the heavy lifting in week one. Rachal passed for 132 yards and three touchdowns, his favorite receiver being Austin Vicknair (90 yards, one touchdown). The rushing prowess did not disappear, however. Rachal ran for 117 yards and Thomas Crouch tallied 115 yards and a score.

Class 3A Brusly has split its first two games, its most recent performance a 48-14 win over St. Thomas Aquinas.

As that score would indicate, Roussel said the Panthers are a team that has improved by the week.

“They struggled in the jamboree, then played with a real good Donaldsonville team for a half,” he said. “They had their way with St. Thomas Aquinas on Friday. You can see they’re playing with a lot of confidence.”

Brusly’s Wing-T offense is led by running back Marlon Reed, who accounted for 1400 total yards (90 rushing, 500 receiving) and 19 touchdowns last season. He also accounted for both of Brusly’s scores against the Rebels last season.

“In crunch time, they’re going to try to get him the ball,” said Roussel. “We usually do a good job defending the Wing-T. This is one of the biggest teams up front that we’ll play.”

Roussel noted that the Rebel offense can help the defense.

“We were able to keep control of the ball (last season) and spread them out, and we feel we’re better offensively than last year. So hopefully the same formula will be good to us.”