BRETT BLANCHARD

PHOTO: RIVERSIDE ACADEMY saw two of their football stars sign scholarship agreements, Ryan Bugay, at left, and Jason Blanchard. The pair are set to join the team at Mississippi College in Clinton, Miss. (Staff Photo by Brett Blanchard) RESERVE – Two members of the Riverside Rebels football team will move on to the next level of their athletic careers, as senior football captains Jason Blanchard and Ryan Bugay have committed to NCAA Division III school Mississippi College. The duo received academic scholarships and will play on the Mississippi College Choctaw football team next season. As of now, Bugay expects to stay at the linebacker position. “They play a 4-3 defense,” Bugay said. “I’ll probably be playing outside linebacker, maybe a blitz or coverage linebacker.” Bugay, who started at linebacker, was a 9-2A all-district selection. “Ryan is an intelligent football player,” said Class 2A coach of the year Mickey Roussel. “He has some things that you can’t coach.” On the offensive line, Blanchard made the Louisiana Sports Writers Association all-State first team last season. Blanchard contributed on offense, helping the Rebels rush for 3,699 yards and gain 1,838 yards through the air. The Choctaws have Blanchard slated as an offensive tackle. “I talked to the offensive coordinator, and I am second on the depth chart,” Blanchard said. Roussel has no doubt Blanchard and Bugay will properly represent Riverside and Mississippi College, and commented, “Ryan and Jason are the epitome of the student athlete, they excel academically.”