By Jeff Barrois

Special to L’Observateur

RESERVE – The Riverside Academy Rebels (4-5, 3-3) wrapped up their regular season tonight by earning a playoff spot and a gaining a lot of momentum heading into the playoffs next week with a huge 65-0 homecoming shutout over J. S. Clark.

“Everything starts all over again,” said Riverside Coach Bill Stubbs after the win, “I saw a lot of good things tonight.”

The Rebels jumped out to an early lead and scored on each of their five first half possessions, a sack-fumble returned for a touchdown by senior linebacker Trent Fey, as well as a punt return touchdown by Freshman wideout Herb McGee to jump out to a commanding 52-0 halftime lead. The Rebels also racked up an impressive 250 offensive yards in the first half.

Jonquial Sanders had a whale of a game rushing for 3 touchdowns of 11, 11, and 36 yards and catching a 37 yard pass from freshman QB Deuce Wallace as well.

“We worked real hard to get to this point, and we’re trying to go all the way to the Dome,” said a confidant Sanders after the game, “It’s win or go home.”

Wallace, the Rebels’ freshman quarterback, went 10 for 13 for 140 yards and three touchdowns. He has now totaled over 2,000 yards in this shortened nine game season.

In addition to his previously mentioned punt return, freshman receiver Herb McGee had two receiving touchdowns from Wallace.

The Rebels also got to see a glimpse of their very athletic freshman running back Jajuan Bell who, despite some early fumbling problems, also scored twice himself.

The Riverside defense was very strong tonight forcing an amazing eight turnovers, including 3 turnovers on downs, 2 fumble recoveries, a blocked punt, and 3 interceptions by Junior DB Jacorey Haynes.

The Rebels battled back from an 0-4 start, winning four of their last five to secure their spot in the Class 2A playoffs.