By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

Riverside coach Bill Stubbs wasn’t quite as enthused as one might expect after his team’s decisive victories over West St. John and Loranger this season. But after the Rebels’ 62-32 victory at St. James Friday night, he was effusive in his praise.

As the Rebels prepare to host Cohen Friday night, Stubbs was pleased to talk about his team’s improved level of focus against a rising Wildcats team last week. 

“We played well in all three phases against a very, very good St. James team,” Stubbs said. “We broke down a little in some areas, but we did an excellent job of keeping them at bay. When you talk about getting 21 points off of a turnover and two kick returns, that’s just huge.

“We held our focus for four full quarters, and that’s something I’ve been pushing for. This group can really achieve a great deal if they can continue to do that.”

District 8-2A foe Cohen (0-4) has struggled this season, scoring just eight offensive points through four games and allowing at least 58 points in each, the last a 58-0 loss at home to South Plaquemines.

After a five-week stretch that’s seen Riverside (4-0) face off with local rivals St. Charles (in jamboree action), West St. John and St. James, coupled with an emotional win at traditional power Evangel, the Rebels’ next two opponents are a combined 0-7.

“If you allow yourself to relax and ratchet things down when you hit something of a lull in the schedule and then have to ramp things back up … if you approach this like that, you’re doing yourself a disservice,” Stubbs said. “That’s what I’ve let our kids know. We need to use each week as a chance to improve ourselves.”

One constant over the past three weeks has been a hot start. Riverside has held two-touchdown first quarter leads.

That’s because Riverside’s defense has created a number of big plays. Brandon Hymel has heavily been in that mix. The linebacker has forced a fumble in each of the last two games, both times leading to defensive touchdowns.

“He’s a playmaker, flat out,” Stubbs said. “He’ll make impact plays every game. Sometimes they show up in the stats, sometimes they don’t at all, but he forces people into making mistakes. He’s done it for a few years now.”

The Rebels’ explosive offense is also running the ball in greatly improved fashion. After two weeks of struggle, Riverside has blistered its last two opponents on the ground. Tailback Brandon Sanders had the biggest night Friday, rushing for 96 yards and a touchdown on just nine carries.

The Rebels have run 96 passing plays and 95 rushing plays this season. 

“He’s developed into one of those running backs that can run through you or around you,” Stubbs said. “He’s running well with his eyes, seeing openings develop. He has excellent hands. We haven’t had to check it to our backs much, but they have that capability.”