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Line play keys Riverdale’s 21-6 win over Cookeville




Riverdale's Xaylyn McKinnie (2) tries to evade Cookeville's Drew Dyal (7) during their game Friday at Riverdale. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Riverdale’s Xaylyn McKinnie (2) tries to evade Cookeville’s Drew Dyal (7) during their game Friday at Riverdale. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Riverdale dominated the game up front on both sides of the ball, which led to a 21-6 home win over Cookeville in their region opener Friday night.

Riverdale improved to 2-1 overall 1-0 in region play and will host Smyrna on Friday. Cookeville dropped to 2-1 and 0-1.

Riverdale had two backs go over 100 yards as Brandon Connard had 13 carries for 116 yards and a score, and Marcus Lloyd ran 19 times for 144 yards and two scores.

“The offensive line played well as well as our defensive line,” Riverdale coach Will Kriesky said. “They have been working hard, and it was good to see them play well.

“Both backs (Lloyd and Connard) have different styles and do the things they do when they are in there.”

Riverdale got on the board early as Connard had a 31-yard run to put them on top 7-0.

In the first half, Riverdale’s defense held Cookeville to 61 yards of offense. Forty-two of it was running as Cavalier quarterback Stockton Owen had 40 of those yards and only 19 passing.

Riverdale tailback Brandon Connard (4) drives past Cookeville's Cade Apple (9) Friday night. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Riverdale tailback Brandon Connard (4) drives past Cookeville’s Cade Apple (9) Friday night. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

In the second quarter, Riverdale scored again on a long drive of 15 plays and 66 yards, capped by a short run by Lloyd that made the score 14-0 at intermission.

In the third quarter, Cookeville came back as it had it deep in their own end, but Owen kept the pigskin, went to the left side, cut to the middle of the field and was off 82 yards for the team’s only score of the night to cut the deficit to 14-6.

Riverdale tried to run out the clock late but Cookeville’s defense was up to the challenge. Late in the last quarter, Lloyd raced 61 yards, making it a 21-6 final.

Cookeville drove the football to the Warrior 30, but a pass from Owen on fourth down fell incomplete and Riverdale ran out the clock to get the region win.

“Our offensive line blocked their tails off tonight,” Lloyd said. “They are the reason why we won this football game.”

Cookeville'a Stockton Owen ia tripped up against Riverdale. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Cookeville’a Stockton Owen ia tripped up against Riverdale. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Riverdale's cheerleaders lead the Warriors onto the field prior to their game against Cookeville. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Riverdale’s cheerleaders lead the Warriors onto the field prior to their game against Cookeville. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Riverdale' D'Andrew Donalson (26) is stopped by Cookeville's Harris Cravens (12) Friday night. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Riverdale’ D’Andrew Donalson (26) is stopped by Cookeville’s Harris Cravens (12) Friday night. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Riverdale'a Brandon Connard (4) drives for yardage as Cookevillke's Harris Cravens (12) and Reed Hall (8) pursue. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Riverdale’a Brandon Connard (4) drives for yardage as Cookevillke’s Harris Cravens (12) and Reed Hall (8) pursue. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Riverdale Warriors Brandon Connard (4) runs for yardage against Cookeville. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Riverdale Warriors Brandon Connard (4) runs for yardage against Cookeville. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Cookeville Quin Doodson (89) and Cade Apple (9) dive to recover a fumble. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Cookeville Quin Doodson (89) and Cade Apple (9) dive to recover a fumble. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Cookeville's Stockton Owen stopped by the Riverdale defense. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Cookeville’s Stockton Owen stopped by the Riverdale defense. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

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