Rebels look to extend unbeaten streak against Sophie Wright; Gauthier a weapon
Published 11:45 pm Tuesday, October 28, 2014
By Ryan Arena
L’Observateur
RESERVE – As Riverside prepares to face off with Sophie B. Wright at home Friday, the Rebels (8-0, 5-0) have really turned it on up front, where the offensive line has been blowing open holes for Riverside rushers.
Last week, Hardell Mack and Herb McGee combined to average 14.9 yards per carry on 10 rushes against a large, physical South Plaquemines front. A week prior, it was Brandon Sanders setting an early tone with two first-half rushing scores, helping highlight a nearly flawless redzone effort from Riverside.
“Those guys up front have all played together for a little while now,” Riverside coach Bill Stubbs said. “We’re still not where we feel we can be, but a lot of good things have happened so far. Our expectations are high because to get where we want to be, we have to be able to run it at a high level, and we’ve set some high goals for ourselves.”
Another weapon has emerged for Riverside in kicker/wide receiver Tyler Gauthier. Gauthier’s value in the kicking game hasn’t been disputed: in the team’s win over Newman, he booted two field goals and held the Greenies without a kick return opportunity, booting every kickoff into the endzone.
But Gauthier has also added long scoring receptions in each of the last two weeks, making a receiving corps already featuring strong weapons like Herb McGee, Von Julien and Darrion Cook that much stronger.
Stubbs called Gauthier a fine athlete, and said he’s maturing and embracing his role.
But while his recent receiving efforts are noteworthy, Stubbs said Gauthier’s impact on special teams is underappreciated.
“A good kicker, in this game, is worth his weight in gold,” Stubbs said. “I realized long ago what a powerful weapon a great kicker can be. We’ve faced and will face some very dynamic return men, and when those teams can’t get into their return game at all, that can change things a whole lot.”
Sophie Wright is 2-6 thus far this season and 1-4 in District 8-2A play, and comes into this week off of a 56-12 loss to St. James. Wright has shown some offensive firepower in wins over East Iberville and Cohen, but should have its hands full with a Rebels’ defense that’s allowed just 22 points over its last four games.
“Our defense is really enjoying playing the game,” Stubbs said. “They’re playing and understanding their roles and now they’re playing more aggressively. We’ve challenged them to do that even more. I think this defense has the capability to go from a good defense to a great defense. Last week they played four full quarters, and I was happy with that.”
Riverside is ranked second in Class 2A, just behind Many. RA is fourth in 2A power points, and third among teams that will compete in the Division III select postseason: Calvary Baptist and Catholic-New Iberia are ranked No. 1 and No. 2.