Rebel senior night ends in disappointment

Riverside’s final regular season game ended in a disappointing 35-0 loss to Big Piney. The Punchers scored in the first two minutes and dominated play throughout.  Riverside’s offense produced some long drives, but couldn’t get the ball into the endzone.  
“Big Piney was more prepared for the moment than we were,” said Coach  Jason Mitchell. “As coaches, we need to find a way to better prepare our kids for that moment.”
Big Piney scored twice in the first quarter, building a 13-0 lead.  Riverside offense put together some decent plays and moved the ball, but wasn’t able to reach the endzone. Avery Clifford “did a great job of stepping in and filling a temporary void at quarterback,” said Mitchell. “I’m sure he’s looking forward to getting back to the comfort of being a starting center.” 
The second quarter featured back and forth play.  Riverside whittled a lot of time off the clock on their drives, but the Punchers scored the only points, a touchdown and two-point conversion to extend their lead to 21-0.
The second half of was much the same. Riverside had some good drives but Big Piney’s defense made Riverside work for every inch.  Big Piney added touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters to make it 35-0.
“Defensively, we probably played too much on our heels,” said Mitchell. “Sometimes it’s probably OK to make an incorrect read, but to do so while playing forward.”
Riverside placed third in the Class 1A West Conference and qualified for the playoffs that start later this week.  Riverside will be travel to Yoder to play Southeast Friday, Oct. 27 at 5 p.m.  Southeast and Riverside have similar offense stats.  Southeast has 130 yards passing per game while Riverside only has 106.  Riverside rushes for 249 yards per game while Southeast rushes for 185 yards per game.
Ty Strohschein finished with 110 yards on 23 carries.
Clifford completed 4-of-15 passe; Hayden Paxton hauled in all four for 22 yards.  
Ty Strohschein had 4 assisted tackles, 6 solo tackles and 1.5 tackles for a loss.  Wyatt Daly-Patterson had 1 assisted tackle, 3 solo tackles and a blocked kick. Curtis Strohschein had 5 assisted tackles, 1 solo tackle, 1.5 tackle for a loss and a forced fumble. Hayden Paxton had 5 assisted tackles and 3 solo tackles. Hyson Hill had 3 assisted tackles, 3 solo tackles and 1 blocked punt. Reece Whisenant had 2 assisted tackles and 3 solo tackles. Loomis Alexander had 6 assisted tackles.  Camden Schriner had 1 assisted tackle and 2 solo tackles. Cooper Zierolf had a fumble recovery. Matt Brown had 1 assisted tackle, 1 solo tackle, and 1 tackle for a loss.  Ryder Koziek had 2 assisted tackles.  
Riverside four seniors and their parents were recognized before the start of the game.  
“These Seniors have changed the identity of our program in a positive way,” said Mitchell. “I think this upcoming playoff game gives us an opportunity to cement that legacy going forward.”
“Cooper (Zierolf) has grown as a young man in the last three years maybe the most evidenced by the calm smile on his face as his Greybull counterpart was called for a personal foul. Cooper has always been one of the most well-like kids on the team and we were proud of him as he was named Homecoming king last month. Whether it comes as a starter who plays an entire game or as a versatile sub who is willing to play multiple positions, Cooper has evolved as a player into someone we can trust on both sides of the ball”  
“Hayden (Paxton) has become one of the best players at his position in nine-man football.  While he doesn’t get the opportunity to put up big statistical numbers, his abilities as a receiver and defensive back make him one of the most trusted members of the team. As a sophomore, it would have been hard to envision the athlete that he has now become in his senior year. He’s now started on both sides of the ball during both his entire junior and senior year.  As a team leader and captain, Hayden will be greatly missed and impossible to replace.”
“Josh (Wildman) was a near unanimous choice as a captain by his teammates.  It is hard to put into words what Josh has meant in the evolution of our program.  Josh would have entered this season as one of the most dangerous receivers and corners in our class.  The way in which he selflessly accepted a move to quarterback and linebacker during his senior campaign says all you need to know about Josh as a teammate.  But what happened after his move to quarterback surprised almost everyone.  He took ownership of his new role and made plays with both his arm and his feet.  With the versatility, leadership and decision-making abilities Josh as shown, his impact on our program will still be felt after he moves on.”
“Ty (Strohschein) is a once in a generation football player.  There is no question that he was blessed with size and speed, but it is his toughness and work ethic that makes him so unique.  He has been an example to his teammates and younger athletes in the community, showing them what it really looks like to be committed to achievement.  Ty has been a starter for his whole career, including being a three-time all-conference selection.  His teammates have unanimously voted for him as a captain for the last two years.  His on-field production speaks for itself.  He was one of the state’s statistical defensive leaders the past two seasons; and this season, he has currently rushed for 1,200 yards despite missing nearly two full games worth of football.  The Rebel football program is stronger for having had his presence over the past six years.”