MICHAEL KIRAL / L’Observateur / October 18, 2000

RESERVE – Coaches are always talking about taking it one game at a time and focusing on the task at hand.

Riverside is facing one of those weeks where that might be a tough task.

The Rebels are coming off a 35-10 victory on the road at cross-parish rival West St. John, getting a reversal of events from a 38-0 loss to the Rams inlast season’s regional playoffs. Next week, Riverside hosts Newman in agame that could decide the District 9-2A championship.

So it might be easy for the Rebels to overlook a struggling Ridgewood team come Friday night. But one slip up and the Rebels know a season full ofpromise could come crashing down.

Riverside has not overlooked anybody so far this season, averaging over 400 yards and 38 points a game in opening the season with seven straight wins.

The Rebels, ranked second in Class 2A, lead District 9-2A with a 3-0 record heading into Friday’s contest.

Against fifth-ranked West St. John last Friday, the Rebels gained 315 yardsin offense, 257 yards rushing. Brandon Delaneuville rushed for 99 yards anda touchdown on eight attempts. Jared St. Amant hit the end zone threetimes while rushing for 63 yards on nine carries. Quarterback DamianMelancon carried the ball twice for 63 yards. With the rushing attack doingso well, Melancon could rest his arm, passing just five times, completing three, for 58 yards and a touchdown.

Riverside gave up 289 yards to the Rams but forced four turnovers. RyanWeber had two interceptions and Joel Levin and Brian Canzoneri one apiece.

Sean Delaneuville also blocked a punt to set up a Riverside touchdown.

Riverside’s Britt Waguespack was held to 29 yards on nine carries but is still one of the leading rushers in Class 2A in the area with 569 yards and nine touchdowns on 73 carries. Melancon has passed for 727 yards and eighttouchdowns on 40-of-78 passing.

The Rebels will be facing a Ridgewood team that enters the game with a 1-3 record in district and a 1-6 mark overall. The Eagles have scored 38 pointsthrough seven games and have allowed 173.

Ridgewood is coming off a 34-0 loss at Newman. The Eagles were held to 119yards and nine first downs and committed three turnovers. Newman gained337 yards, 188 on the ground.

Senior Troy Lugo, who completed 4-of-20 passes for 60 yards against the Greenies, is the quarterback. He will be looking to throw to Darrell Howard,who had 16 catches for 279 yards and three touchdowns heading into last week’s game. Another receiving threat is Jeremy Mohr.On defense, Ridgewood is led by Howard at cornerback. Tackles ChrisScheurich and Armando Soza and end Jerry Punds,lead the charge up front.

Stefan Famiglio is the lone returning starting linebacker from last season.

Safety Matt Zimmerman joins Howard in the backfield.

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