By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Riverside Academy’s offense arrived far ahead of schedule in 2012. Now, as Rebels coach Bill Stubbs enters his second season with the team, he said it’s the defense’s time to step forward.
Behind then-freshman quarterback Deuce Wallace and a deep and talented arsenal of offensive weaponry, the Rebels found themselves among the state’s highest scoring teams in any classification. Riverside’s shotgun spread offense showed a glimpse of its potential during a 62-50 loss to South Plaquemines during a 0-4 start. But from there, Riverside lost just two more times all season, including a Class 2A quarterfinal round loss to John Curtis.
The team brings back most of what was a very young core this season, and as such, expectations in Reserve are high. Early season scheduling often tells a tale of how competitive a team expects to be before a season, so that the Rebels open up at home against powerhouse Evangel could be telling.
But for that game – and the season itself – to break the Rebels’ way, Stubbs said that the defense must rise to the occasion. He’s seeing progress.
“Defensively, we’re starting to make big strides,” he said. “We’re not where we need to be to play a game today, obviously. But I’m seeing some really good signs. We’re seeing some kids step into that leadership role, and that’s something I hadn’t seen since I’ve been here.”
Linebacker Evan Veron, defensive tackle Richie George and defensive backs Xavier Ray and Jacorey Haynes are among those Stubbs pointed to as players asserting themselves on and off the field.
“If I can rest my hat on something, that’s been one of our most promising developments,” said Stubbs. “These guys stepping to the forefront and doing it through an outstanding work ethic. That’s what’s getting me excited.”
Offensively, everything will start with Deuce Wallace. A year ago, Stubbs gushed about how far along his young passer was at such an early stage of development. Wallace exceeded all expectations, leading the River Parishes by far in passing, finishing with 2,716 yards though the air, 31 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
Stubbs cautioned, however, that Wallace must not concern himself with trying to top his stellar debut season, as the burden of expectations could render that freshman season his worst enemy.
“He needs to understand that nobody is asking him to go out and surpass what he did last season,” said Stubbs. “We’re asking him to lead our offense and football team to wins.’
“If he beats last year’s numbers? Hey, that’s great. We’d love it. But that’s not the target for us.”
At wide receiver, Herb McGee and Von Julien return – the duo finished first and second respectively in the River Region in receiving yardage. Darrion Cook and Kendall Martin will join them on the outside, while Peyton Falgoust and Jake Venus will each move into the formation primarily as H-backs.
The biggest void to fill will come with the departure of Jonquial Sanders, the team’s lone senior skill starter last season. Sanders was among the leading rushers and receivers in the region.
Stubbs said that replacing his production with any one player isn’t likely in the cards. A two-man committee of Brandon Sanders and DeAndre Wilson will man the tailback position.
“Those two compliment one another,” said Stubbs. “Brandon runs hard and shows you a tremendous work ethic. DeAndre’s a big guy who’s learning to control his body. Experience is the big thing. They’re not the same style of runner, which presents you with a nice one-two punch.”
Along the offensive line,  center Cameron Bivona will lead the way.
“We’ll be quicker up front. I know we’ll be stronger,” said Stubbs. “I’m a little concerned with our depth. But these guys are working together like an offensive line is supposed to work. They’re the nuts and bolts of any football team.”