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Riverdale run game overwhelms Franklin in double-digit win




Riverdale's Drew Smith (36) fights for the touchdownJoseph Summers

Riverdale’s Drew Smith (36) fights for the touchdownJoseph Summers

FRANKLIN — The Riverdale Warriors left Franklin with a statement win on the road, claiming a 34-10 victory the Franklin Rebels Friday night to remain unbeaten. 

“This was a very important win to us,” Riverdale running back Drew Smith said. “We were all hot about the loss to Franklin last year and came out with an attitude this year.”

“I am proud of our kids,” Franklin coach Donnie Webb said. “They never quit and kept playing to the end.”

With 9:35 remaining in the first quarter, Riverdale came out firing with a 10-yard rushing touchdown from Smith to take a 7-0 lead. The touchdown party continued for Smith roughly six minutes later when he punched in a 19-yard score to extend the Warrior lead to 14-0. 

The second-quarter scoring started for Franklin with a 41-yard field goal from senior kicker Ian Burr to cut the Warriors lead to 14-3. However, this was the closest the Rebels would get as Riverdale could not be stopped. 

Riverdale's Taylor Yancey (5) throws to an open receiverJoseph Summers

Riverdale’s Taylor Yancey (5) throws to an open receiverJoseph Summers

Smith picked up his third rushing touchdown of the game on a two-yard rushing play with 5:35 remaining in the second quarter to extend the Warriors lead to 21-3. 

“Drew has great vision,” Riverdale coach Will Kriesky said. “He knows how to get the tough yardage.”

The scoring barrage continued with less than a minute before halftime with an eight-yard rushing touchdown from Warriors senior quarterback Taylor Yancey, running the lead to 28-3. 

The only points put on the board in the third quarter came from Riverdale running back Jacorinan Currie on a one-yard rushing touchdown. A missed extra point kept the score 34-3.

The Rebels fought back with their only scoring drive of the fourth quarter — a touchdown by senior full back John Kirkpatrick, making the final tally 34-10. 

“Our defensive line is amazing, and they got after the quarterback tonight,” Smith added. “The secondary worked hard and knew what they were doing back there.”

Riverdale's Xaylyn McKinnie (2) finds a hole in the Rebel defenseJoseph Summers

Riverdale’s Xaylyn McKinnie (2) finds a hole in the Rebel defenseJoseph Summers

Franklin will take on undefeated district-rival Ravenwood at Ravenwood on Frida, while Riverdale will travel to district-opponent Cookeville. 

 “I am hoping to see a better Franklin football team,” said Webb. “We have got to get better first before talking about Ravenwood.”

“Cookeville is going to give us a tough ball game,” Kriesky stated. “It is a tough place to play. We are going to expect some smash-mouth football.”

Franklin's Cooper Grills (11) takes down Riverdale's Drew Smith (36)Joseph Summers

Franklin’s Cooper Grills (11) takes down Riverdale’s Drew Smith (36)Joseph Summers

Riverdale making their way onto the fieldJoseph Summers

Riverdale making their way onto the fieldJoseph Summers

Riverdale's C. J. Johnson (25) goes up over Franklin's Reed Kemp (6) for an acrobatic catchJoseph Summers

Riverdale’s C. J. Johnson (25) goes up over Franklin’s Reed Kemp (6) for an acrobatic catchJoseph Summers

Riverdale's Taylor Yancey (5), and Jaylen Weist (58) celebrate a TDJoseph Summers

Riverdale’s Taylor Yancey (5), and Jaylen Weist (58) celebrate a TDJoseph Summers

Riverdale's Jacorian Currie (33) goes in for the Warriors’ scoreJoseph Summers

Riverdale’s Jacorian Currie (33) goes in for the Warriors’ scoreJoseph Summers

Riverdale's Doreon Hollis (3) looks for running roomJoseph Summers

Riverdale’s Doreon Hollis (3) looks for running roomJoseph Summers

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