It became apparent in the fourth quarter of Friday’s game between Riverside and Loranger that it would likely be decided by the first team to cross the goalline – rainy and windy weather doused any hopes of offensive fireworks, clear to all as the teams played to a scoreless tie into the fourth quarter.

But Loranger came through for the night’s key play, a 70-yard touchdown pass from B.J. Rainey to Jonathan King that held up for a 7-2 victory at Loranger in a non-district game.

“We had some missed opportunities,” said Riverside coach Mickey Roussel. “We didn’t take advantage of some turnovers. We missed a pair of field goals, though I’m sure the conditions had a something to do with that. That touchdown pass was the one that killed us.”

Riverside did have a chance to rally and appeared to cash in when Tate Scioneaux found Nate Williams for a 15-yard scoring play. But the Rebels were called for offensive interference.

Loranger took an intentional safety late to avoid risking a turnover for a score.

Scioneaux passed for 70 yards. Loranger intercepted him twice.

Loranger moved the ball by attrition on the ground, rushing for 113 yards on 41 attempts.

Roussel said it’s important that his team not dwell on this loss and regroup as things get no easier next week: Salmen visits Riverside.

“It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” said Roussel. “We’re 0-1. But we have great leadership on this team, and that’s something that makes me confident we’ll bounce back.”