By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

 

LAPLACE — Following one of the biggest regular season victories in Riverside history, it wasn’t the follow up the Rebels or their fans would ever have hoped for or expected.

The top-ranked team in Class 2A found itself upset after just a week in the top spot, falling 12-6 at District 8-2A foe South Plaquemines.

It was Riverside’s first game without the injured Deuce Wallace. The sophomore quarterback suffered a broken leg in the team’s Week 7 win over Newman.

South Plaquemines (3-5, 2-3) took a 12-0 first half lead that proved enough to hold for good. Hurricanes quarterback Tyler Martin accounted for a touchdown on the ground and through the air.

“They outphysicaled us. They outplayed us,” said Riverside coach Bill Stubbs. “We couldn’t get anything established offensively. That’s on me. I failed to properly prepare these kids to come down here and play in this hostile environment.’

“It’s up to us to respond. And it’s up to me to get them ready to do so.”

Jordan Loving’s 43-yard touchdown pass to Herb McGee gave Riverside a chance in the second half, but South Plaquemines’ Jace Williams intercepted Loving on Riverside’s final drive of the night to preserve the victory.

Loving completed 4 of 12 passes for 91 yards. Kendall Martin completed one of four pass attempts. McGee hauled in three receptions for 75 yards. Hardell Mack led Riverside (5-2, 4-1) in rushing with 10 carries for 24 yards.

Delward Reddick rushed for 110 yards to lead South Plaquemines.

Stubbs wouldn’t use Wallace’s injury as an excuse.

“They just overpowered us,” he said. “Overpowered us on both sides of the ball.’

“If we can’t learn from this, we’re gonna struggle from here on out.”