By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – One might say that Riverside fixed the problem.
A week after a shocking 12-6 loss to South Plaquemines by the then top-ranked Rebels, Riverside picked itself up off the mat behind new quarterback Herb McGee and a powerful rushing attack to down Sophie B. Wright 62-7.
“We got knocked around last week and the kids responded,” said Riverside coach Bill Stubbs. “We lost sight of ourselves and our goals a little bit, but tonight we saw a complete team effort with everyone pulling together. I couldn’t be more proud.”
McGee, the leading receiver in the River Region a year ago, moved to quarterback this week in the stead of the injured Deuce Wallace, who is out indefinitely with a leg fracture.
He took to his new position well. The sophomore completed 8 of 11 passes for 70 yards and a touchdown while rushing eight times for 60 yards with another score. He threw no interceptions.
“It’s not a surprise because that’s what he’s supposed to do,” said Riverside coach Bill Stubbs. “He’s that kind of athlete. He’s a smart kid and to go to him in this spot, it really became a no-brainer. The last time he played quarterback was in the seventh grade. I thought he did a tremendous job.”
Hardell Mack led Riverside (7-2, 5-1) in rushing with 148 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. Kendall Martin rushed 12 times for 79 yards and three touchdowns.
Those three rushers combined for 287 yards and six scores, providing an answer to Stubbs’ challenge that his team be more physical this week.
Von Julien caught two passes for 63 yards and a score. Darrion Cook caught five passes for 34 yards and a touchdown.
Riverside forced four turnovers, led by Gerald Songy – Songy forced a fumble and recovered another.
“The defense is starting to play with the kind of attitude you like to see,” said Stubbs.
Martin moved to tailback and made an impact there, scoring three of the Rebels’ first four touchdowns.
Jordan Loving connected with Julien for a 37-yard score that made it 35-0 just before halftime.
McGee’s first career touchdown pass went to Cook for a 20-yard score.
Thaddeus Andry scored on a blocked punt late to round out the Riverside scoring.
Sophie Wright dropped to 3-6 overall, 2-4 in District 8-2A.