Riverview held on to a 6-0 win over cross-county rival Dawson County in the first ever meeting between the two schools last Thursday. Riverview Middle School Head Coach Mark Thomason’s Eagle team scored early in the second quarter and had to hold on to obtain the victory.

Eagle Bruce Clark scored on a 5-yard run in the second quarter. Clark broke a tackle on his way into the end zone. The extra point was no good and Riverview held a slim 6-0 lead.

Turned out that was all the scoring by either team in the contest. Dawson County would threaten on two occasions, but couldn’t cross the goal line against a stingy Eagle defense.

“I thought our kids played hard,” Dawson County Middle School Tiger Head Coach Frank Brown said. “I’ve told our kids from day one that we are here to win and I think our kids laid it on the line today. We will regroup and get ready for next week,” he added.

“I really felt that both teams played with a lot of passion. No one wanted to give an inch. Our entire defense played well and refused to break. That was key for maintaining the shutout,” Thomason said about his team.

Zach Martin led the Eagles in tackles. Koby Rogers also had a big interception for Riverview.

On offense, Bruce Clark and Cody Smith had a big game for Riverview.

“The thing we did well was disrupt their offensive plays with our linebackers. I really think that we need to work on our blocking before next week. If we would have blocked a little better then we would have had a couple more scores when we got inside of the red zone. I think Dawson County had a strong team with a good deal of young talent. They have a bright future and no doubt a stout D (defense),” said Thomason.

The overflow crowd at Dawson County Middle School witnessed an intense battle between the two county schools. The historic first win will go to Riverview, but it was a fight until the last buzzer sounded.

“I would like to thank all of our fans for coming out and supporting us,” said Thomason.

This week Riverview will travel to Fannin County and Dawson County will play host to Gilmer County.

Kickoff for both games is scheduled for 5 p.m.

E-mail Pam Jacobs at sports@dawsonnews.com.