By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

Riverside began district play in impressive fashion on Friday night, crushing Fisher in Reserve, 48-19.

Rebels’ quarterback Darnell Rachal was efficient, completing six-of-eight passes for 133 yards and two scores. He added 61 yards and a touchdown on nine carries.

Thomas Crouch had a big game as well for the Rebels, rushing eight times for 119 yards and a score.

A game that was close in terms of yardage gained – the Gators, in fact, outgained Riverside (3-1) 431-420 – broke wide open in a third quarter in which the Rebels scored 28 unanswered points.

The RA third quarter scoring bonanza was even more impressive when considering he Rebels made it happen on just five snaps.

It started on Crouch’s 63-yard touchdown run that took a 14-7 Rebel lead to 21-7.

Rachal followed with a 26-yard touchdown scamper that made it 28-7.

He’d dial up the Rebels’ next score through the air, finding Austin Vicknair for a 50-yard touchdown to put the Rebel lead to four touchdowns.

Lloyd Johnson finally capped the third quarter scoring with a 14-yard touchdown run, making it 42-7.

Riverside forced two of Fisher’s three turnovers during the sequence.

The Rebels scored twice in the first half, on Kalen Jenkins’ 40-yard fumble return and on a 27-yard touchdown pass from Rachal to Ricky Johnson.

Fisher (2-1) tied the game in the first quarter on a 10-yard run by Austin Bass.

The Gators scored twice in the second half, both on Cameron Pizani runs.

Nate Williams added one final Rebel score in the fourth quarter. He finished with 30 yards on four carries.