Rebaldo’s interception turns back WSJ

By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

With West St. John down five, and driving with under a minute left against Riverside on Thursday night, Laury Dupont had his best shot yet at his 200th career victory.

But the Rebels’ Jordan Rebaldo decided to play spoiler.

The freshman defensive back plucked a Dray Joseph pass out of the air on fourth down and snuffed out West St. John’s valiant comeback attempt. Riverside held on for a 27-22 victory.

&#8220I just had to get in front of him,” Rebaldo said. &#8220I broke on it. I wanted to take it to the house.”

&#8220Jordan Rebaldo, a freshman stepping up for us, he came through and showed courage,” said Rebels running back Jarid Caesar. &#8220I know he’s very proud right now.”

Energized by the return of Caesar, who was injured the week prior in the Rebels win over St. Thomas Aquinas, Riverside ran out to a 27-12 halftime advantage. The Rebels appeared to control the game.

But the Rams took advantage of a Rebels miscue, a high snap on a punt that went into the endzone. West St. John notched a safety, making it 27-14.

Late in the fourth quarter, Joseph would find Kenneth Dabney for a short touchdown to cut the lead to 27-20. Joseph found Jessie Silas on a two point conversion attempt to make it 27-22. After a Riverside three and out, West St. John drove to Riverside’s 40-yard line before Rebaldo’s game-clinching interception.

&#8220I guess I got a little conservative with the lead at the end,” Riverside Coach Mickey Roussel said. &#8220We made plays when we had to. We know what West St. John brings to the table. Coach Dupont always has his team ready to play.”

Turnovers plagued each team. Riverside lost four fumbles, while West St. John lost three and a Joseph interception.

&#8220We made too many mistakes. And they made some too, and gave us a chance,” Dupont said. &#8220To fumble like we did, you can’t win against a good team like Riverside. My hat’s off to them.”

Rebels quarterback Jade Falgoust led Riverside with 22 carries for 122 yards rushing and a touchdown. Falgoust also went 5-13 for 111 yards and a 20-yard touchdown pass to Bobby Smith.

Caesar picked up where he left off before his injury, scoring twice and tallying 69 yards on 13 carries. Caesar also caught two passes for 67 yards.

&#8220I’m feeling great,” Caesar said. &#8220I thought I’d be out this week. I just tried to lift my team all week, make sure everyone’s doing right.”

Dabney led West St. John in rushing with 11 carries for 32 yards. Terrance Nathan caught five passes for 63 yards and a touchdown. Joseph passed for two touchdowns and went 14-34 with 147 yards.