By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

HAMMOND — Riverside turned the tables on St. Thomas Aquinas in the scrimmage between the teams Friday, and in the process may have begun answering its most pressing question.

The Rebels outscored STA 10 touchdowns to one, including both first and second teams from each side. 

It was a small measure of payback for a Rebels team that was upset by St. Thomas in the opening round of the Division III playoffs last season. 

“It was encouraging,” Riverside coach Bill Stubbs said. “It was the close to camp for us, and camp is a long, long process. We’ve felt like our kids have been really taking in the things we’ve been teaching, been coaching, and a lot of that really manifested itself on the field Friday. I’m excited about how aggressive we were and the way they played alongside one another.”

The Rebels enter the season knowing they need to overcome the loss of former quarterback Deuce Wallace, who moved with his family this summer back to his native state of Tennessee. Freshman quarterback Jordan Loving has the spotlight and he performed well in the scrimmage, completing 9-of-15 passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns. 

“He certainly didn’t handle himself like a freshman out there,” Stubbs said. “He has a chance to have a lot of success.”

Von Julien was another scrimmage star, hauling in three catches for 133 yards and three touchdowns. Herb McGee, Brandon Sanders and Hardell Mack each topped 40 yards rushing, while McGee — who is also getting reps at quarterback — threw a touchdown pass. 

As for the defense, Stubbs was effusive in his praise.

“You name ‘em,” Stubbs said when asked which defenders shined. “Our front seven was extremely physical. Guys are flying to the ball and doing it within the scheme. Anyone can run around out there, but when you’re doing it while playing within your responsibilities, that’s when good things really start happening.”