Riverview notched a shutout over Union County Middle School last Thursday with a 21-0 win.
The Eagles bounced back after dropping a game to Jasper the week before.
With the strong defensive showing by Riverview, the team moved to 3-1 on the season.
“This week we really wanted to focus on running the ball and we had an outstanding game running the football against Union. We added a couple of new wrinkles this week in practice and they really opened the holes for our backs,” Head Coach Mark Thomason commented.
The Eagles took the opening kickoff and drove 60-yards for a touchdown. Riverview quarterback Jonah Martin, scored on a 1-yard quarterback sneak.
The touchdown was set up by a couple of hard runs by Eagle running back Scott Zadernak. The PAT was good by Luis Miranda and Riverview held a 7-0 lead.
Riverview scored another touchdown in the second quarter. Martin got loose on a 20-yard run into the end zone that put Riverview on top 13-0.
“Jonah had a good run, but blocks by Scott (Zadernak) and Drew Bishop got him the big hole,” said Thomason. Miranda added the extra point and Riverview went into halftime with a comfortable 14-0 lead.
The punt team forced a fumble on a big hit by Bishop in the third quarter. Two plays later Bishop scored on a 5-yard run dragging three defenders across the goal line. The PAT was good by Miranda, extending the Eagle lead to 21-0.
Riverview was able to substitute all their players in the fourth quarter.
“Offensively, I thought Scott Zadernak had a great game running the football and he led us in rushing. Drew (Bishop) also ran the ball extremely hard,” said Thomason about his running backs.
Thomason remarked about his defense: “As a unit, that is the best we have played. All 11 guys that started that game should feel proud to get the shutout. It was a team effort.
“Before next week’s game we have to continue to work on finishing blocks and we still had a couple of missed tackles. Gilmer will try to be physical with us and we have to be ready to play.”
Riverview will travel to Ellijay Thursday to play Gilmer County. Game time will be at 5 p.m.
