Riverside Middle School Football Tops Hanna-Elk Mountain in Thriller

On a crisp, beautiful Friday afternoon at Jim Gibbs Memorial Stadium, the Riverside Rebels middle school football team hosted the Hanna-Elk Mountain (HEM) he Miners in a hard-fought contest.

The Rebels struck first with just 53 seconds remaining in the opening quarter when Kaysen Nyberg broke loose on a 29-yard reverse to put Riverside on the board. From there, both defenses dug in for a grueling second quarter. 

A costly penalty late in the half thrust the Miners deep into Rebel territory, but a crucial goal-line stand by Riverside kept Hanna-Elk Mountain out of the end zone to preserve a 6–0 lead going into halftime.

The defensive battle continued into the third quarter as both teams repeatedly traded possessions. The Miners finally broke through with just one minute left in the period, punching in a touchdown on a power run. A successful point-after kick gave HEM a narrow 7–6 lead.

Refusing to back down, the gritty Rebels answered right back in the fourth quarter. Sawyer Triplett sparked the offense with a dynamic 22-yard touchdown run to regain the lead. Moments later, Triplett powered through the line again, grinding out a tough five-yard touchdown to expand the Rebel cushion.

HEM refused to go away quietly, quickly responding with a explosive 65-yard touchdown run to stay within striking distance. However, Riverside’s offensive line took over on the next drive. Solid blocking opened massive lanes for Nyberg, who flashed his speed once again on a 48-yard touchdown sprint to seal the game. 

The Miners managed an interception as time expired, but it was far too little, too late to stop the Rebel victory.

Riverside now enjoys a bye week before heading on the road to face Hulett on Saturday, October 3, at 3:00 PM.

Scoring Plays 

Kaysen Nyberg 29 yard run (PAT failed) 0:53 1st Quarter.

Sawyer Triplett 22 yard run (PAT failed) 5:18 4th Quarter.

Sawyer Triplett 22 yard run (PAT failed) 1:55 4th Quarter.

Kaysen Nyberg 48 yard run (PAT failed) 1:04 4th Quarter.