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Siegel Stars 1-1 (0-0)
Riverdale Warriors 2-0 (0-0)
Stats bottom of page*
Riverdale Outlast Siegel and the Rain
I’ll start off by saying our hopes and prayers are with Texas during this time. The Harvey Hurricane that has been devastating Texas, affected High School Football in Tennessee Friday night. Causing several games to be moved up a day or back, while Waverly Central and Grace Christian cancelled their meeting altogether.
Our ‘Game of the Week’ was not subjected to re-scheduling, but still felt the affects of the storm. From the coin toss in the middle of the field, where Riverdale met guest Siegel, mist like rain came from all directions. Setting the tone for what type of game this would be. But then again, neither team really needed extra incentive to run the ball.
Coming into the game Siegel was looking to end a losing streak to the Warriors dating back to 2013.
Siegel received the opening kick-off and their intentions were clear right away. Get the ball into the hands of number 44 anyway possible. Lelan Wilhoite, Siegel’s break out junior, fresh off his 300 plus yard effort last week was looking to turn the night’s slick conditions to his advantage. Wilhoite would get loose right away against Riverdale’s D, only for a long gainer to be called back after a holding call. The penalty would force a Siegel punt.
Much like their ball carriers, Siegel’s offense could never truly get any traction in the soggy conditions. Passes to open Star receivers were ricocheting off their glove-less hands all half. Siegel, even with one of the state’s best backs, couldn’t find pay dirt till the last 25 seconds of the first half. Where tailback, Wilhoite would be denied to longer. Finally seeing one of his several touches pay off for 6 as he dove over the line from a yard out. Siegel’s place kicker would miss the extra point, a theme on the night for both teams.
Riverdale’s first quarter was one to forget. With sophomore QB, Taylor Yancey, getting the start, the Warrior offense was limited in the early going combined with the night’s conditions.
Much like Siegel, the Warriors would have to lean on their running game. But when you have Savion Davis in your backfield, relying on the running game is your best bet. Despite being bottled up in the first quarter, Davis would break out in the second. Ripping off a 19 yard romp on his way to Rivderdale’s first score of the night at the nine minute mark in the 2nd. On the following PAT, the theme for the night began when the Warrior kicker missed his target.
Heading to the half the game was tied at six, but mother nature took round one by relegating both teams to the ground.
The young Riverdale QB came out poised, ready to start the second half. Yancey, took the ball after kick-off and his Warrior’s offense down the field as fast as the rain fell. On the drive Yancey found his wing back, Austin Valentine, for a 12 yard touchdown pass to extend the Riverdale lead 12-6 with 10 minutes left in the third. The PAT was missed, naturally.
For the rest of the game, the misty rain would come and go with chilly breezes that accompanied it.
After another three and out for the Riverdale D, who look more fierce every passing week, Savion Davis headed back out to the field. Looking to put on the finishing touches on what he started.
On a botched snap, Yancey rugby tossed a what would have been hand off into Davis’ gut. Not being phased by the potential disaster, Davis caught the pitch going left. After sprinting through a closing hole, Davis had defenders sliding off him on his way to the end zone from 30 yards out. I don’t think I need to mention the PAT at this point.
That Davis score would seal the win at 18-6 and extend Rivedale’s streak over Siegel to five straight wins.
Next week Riverdale travel to Spring Hill, while Siegel are on the road again at Antioch.
The Rutherford Source has all your favorite local high school football teams covered for the 2017 season.
Stats
Riverdale Warriors:
- Davis, Savion- 26 carries, 185 yards, 2 TD’s
- Scruggs, Micheal- 13 carries, 70 yards
- Yancey, Taylor- 2/3 for 24 yard, 1 TD
Siegel Stars:
- Wilhoite, Lelan- 28 carries, 167 yards, 1 TD, 4 catches, 24 yards
- Johnson, Terrance- 3 catches, 14 yards
- Crowell, Brendan- 11/24 for 77 yards. Fum
