On a night that celebrated the fight against Cancer, the home crowd at Nixon Field took part in a “Pink Out.” For the Riverside Warriors though, the game seemed more like a “black out.” 

The Rebels scored early and often during their victory over Riverside Friday night. The defending State Champions were already up 35-0 by the end of the first quarter, and led 56-0 at the half. Shuler Bentley threw for 305 yards and had 5 TD’s. He connected with Akia Booker and Colton Korn two times each for a score, and Shakeem Wharton once. On the ground, Wharton would score two rushing TD’s. Kaleb Patterson would round out each score with a successful PAT. The Rebels would finish the night with 445 yards of offense.

Defensively, the Strike Force played lights out. Shane Samuels scored twice on interception returns. Once for a 63 yarder, and once on a 70 yard return. Tyrell Parker would also score on a blocked punt that was returned for a TD. Riverside would only finish the night with 17 yards in passing offense and a miserable -9 yards rushing offense, for a total of eight yards of offense.

Kaleb Patterson scored the Rebels final points on the night with a 31 yard field goal that made the final score 73-0. The Rebels now lead the series against Riverside 12-3.

With the win, the Rebels improved to 5-2 on the year and 2-0 in Region 2 4-AAAA. Byrnes travels to J.L. Mann Academy on Oct. 14 in a Region Contest against the Patriots. Be there Friday and cheer on the Rebs as they continue their drive to repeat as State Champions.

-Zach Johnson