Rebels look to Clark

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, November 2, 2011

By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

RESERVE — Riverside coach Mickey Roussel described his team’s loss to Newman as “disappointing,” but the coach did not seem concerned about any lingering effects after it dropped a 21-7 decision at the hands of the host Greenies.

Roussel has seen his teams bounce back quickly from losses over the years, especially in the last two seasons: the Rebels have shaken off some late season defeats to advance to the state quarterfinals in Class 2A each time.

“We didn’t play well,” said Roussel. “But you also have to give Newman a lot of credit for that. We’re up 7-0, then we give up a big play and we let it get to us. Newman’s backs were against the wall, they had to win.”

Riverside (6-3, 3-2) went back to work Saturday in preparation for this week’s game against Cohen, but its players got to enjoy something of a “fall break” as Roussel described it early this week, as his players received a couple of days off: the team’s game with host Clark in the season finale is set for Saturday at noon.

After recharging, Riverside will attempt to win its seventh game and nail down a playoff game at home in the opening round. Riverside is currently 13th in the 2A power rankings, and the top 16 teams host games.

“We’re just looking to bounce back,” said Roussel. “Everyone came in on Saturday and worked, lifted, and were in good spirits.”

Riverside had found its stride offensively this season entering its game with Newman. Outside of its loss to Curtis, in which the Patriots recorded a shutout, Riverside had scored 30, 41, 56, 48 and 38 points in wins over the last six weeks.

But a Greenies team that was on the cusp of the playoff picture came up with perhaps a season saving victory, and its best defensive performance of the season.

With Newman starting quarterback Eli Sterbcow injured, freshman Jabari Tyler stepped in with an impressive performance. He passed for 117 yards, rushed for 139, and accounted for two touchdowns.

Riverside led 7-0 at halftime, cashing in on a trick play: a fake punt from the Greenies’ 36. Quarterback Tate Scioneaux doubles as the punter and it came in handy, as he hit Nate Williams for a touchdown.

“We had been practicing it all week,” Scioneaux said. “We knew we were going to use it. We just didn’t know when.”

But Newman was able to limit Scioneaux and what had been a hot Rebel pass attack. He completed 3 of 17 passes for 59 yards. Williams posted a 101-yard effort on the ground and recorded two receptions for 48 yards.

Newman (4-5, 4-2) finally got on the scoreboard with 2:58 left in the third quarter. Scrambling to avoid the Rebels rush, Tyler hurled the ball to senior running back James White, who hauled it in for a 61-yard touchdown reception. After the extra point, the Greenies drew even headed into the fourth quarter.

After a Tyler 1-yard scoring run put Newman up 14-7 early in the last period, Riverside went three-and-out. The ensuing punt rolled to the opposing 15-yard line, but the Greenies played keep away, putting together a 15-play, 85-yard drive. Freshman running back Kendall Bussey’s 5-yard touchdown run with 2:13 remaining sealed the 21-7 victory for Newman.

A Rebels win Friday would mean a tie for second place with Newman within District 9-2A. Clark is winless this season.

, its most recent losses coming at the hands of John Curtis, 49-6, and South Plaquemines, 47-24.