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Riverdale ends skid vs. Blackman in ‘Backyard Brawl’




Blackman's Andrew Hudson-Jackson (21) drives for a touchdown against Riverdale Friday night at Blackman. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Blackman’s Andrew Hudson-Jackson (21) drives for a touchdown against Riverdale Friday night at Blackman. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Riverdale snapped a nine-year losing streak in the “Backyard Brawl” rivalry with Blackman Friday night with an exciting 21-14 road win.

“I have been here since 2009 and this win means so much to me and this community,” Riverdale coach Will Kriesky said. “This school needed that win. I am so proud to be a part of this family and such a special community.”

Riverdale fought adversity after starting quarterback Jameson Holcomb exited on the final drive of the first half with a dislocated finger.

Kriesky called upon Kade Hewitt to do the signal calling, and the sophomore answered by leading a touchdown drive to open the second half. He completed a 34-yard touchdown to Alex Mitchell on 4th and 18 to extend the lead to 21-7.

“We needed everybody to be big in the second half,” Kriesky said. “Good players make big plays and we needed every one of Mitchell’s catches. You can’t say enough about the effort (Hewitt) gave in the second half, and his team had his back the whole way.”

Riverdale cheerleaders urge the Warrior crowd to stand during their game at Blackman. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Riverdale cheerleaders urge the Warrior crowd to stand during their game at Blackman. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Mitchell was Hewitt’s favorite target with three completions for 56 yards — all coming in the second half. He completed 4 of 8 for 65 yards, rushed for another 41.

Riverdale limited Blackman’s chances with a stifling defense. The Blaze opened the second half driving to the Riverdale 30 before turning it over on downs.

The Blaze returned to Warrior territory just once more scoring on Andrew Hudson Jackson’s touchdown with nine minutes left. The Warriors forced another punt with six minutes, which was all the time Riverdale needed to run out the remainder of the clock with three more first downs.

“Every game (our defense) has gotten better and that comes with our preparation and focus on game film,” senior wide receiver/defensive back CJ Johnson said. “We play like we are 0-0 every week and play like it’s our last game.”

Johnson led Riverdale with three catches for 69 yards and a score. Holcomb completed a 15-yard touchdown the Johnson to open the scoring and completed a 45-yard pass that set up a Hewitt 1-yard touchdown carry to open a 14-0 early lead.

Riverdale's bench celebrates a first down with two minutes left in the game at Blackman. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Riverdale’s bench celebrates a first down with two minutes left in the game at Blackman. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

“We knew if we could get out on them early our defense could put them away,” Johnson said. “We prepared well and executed in the first half. This win feels good. I’m at a loss of words about how this feels.”

Riverdale remained tied atop Region 3-6A with their fifth straight victory and their first 3-0 start in region play since 2011. Blackman fell to 1-5 overall and 1-2 in the region.

Blackman's Michael Farnham (16) grabs Riverdale QB Kade Hewitt (17) by the face mask. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Blackman’s Michael Farnham (16) grabs Riverdale QB Kade Hewitt (17) by the face mask. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Riverdale's Brandon Connard (4) tries to evade Blackman's Blaze Kayvon Henderson (92) Friday night. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Riverdale’s Brandon Connard (4) tries to evade Blackman’s Blaze Kayvon Henderson (92) Friday night. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Riverdale QB Kade Hewitt (17) evades Blackman's Elijah Pitts (12) to gain a first down with two minutes left in the game to seal a 21-14 victory.Harrison McClary/Main Street Nashville/File

Riverdale QB Kade Hewitt (17) evades Blackman’s Elijah Pitts (12) to gain a first down with two minutes left in the game to seal a 21-14 victory.Harrison McClary/Main Street Nashville/File

Riverdale's bench reacts to winning the 'Backyard Brawl' against Blackman on Friday. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Riverdale’s bench reacts to winning the ‘Backyard Brawl’ against Blackman on Friday. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Riverdale students cheer for the Warriors Friday night at Blackman. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Riverdale students cheer for the Warriors Friday night at Blackman. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Riverdale's Alex Mitchell (1) celebrates a touchdown with D'Andrew Donalson (26) against Blackman. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Riverdale’s Alex Mitchell (1) celebrates a touchdown with D’Andrew Donalson (26) against Blackman. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Blackman's Andrew Hudson-Jackson (21) runs for long yardage in the second half against Riverdale. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Blackman’s Andrew Hudson-Jackson (21) runs for long yardage in the second half against Riverdale. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Riverdale players gather for a timeout late in the game against Blackman. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Riverdale players gather for a timeout late in the game against Blackman. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Riverdale's Brandon Connard (4) drives past Blackman's Tytus Reach-Kirby (32) and Jayden Payne (24) Friday. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

Riverdale’s Brandon Connard (4) drives past Blackman’s Tytus Reach-Kirby (32) and Jayden Payne (24) Friday. HARRISON MCCLARYHarrison McClary

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