The Rivercrest Rebels traveled to Smith-Wall Stadium to open their season against a new look Queen City Bulldog team with a new coach.
Though the Rebels fell short of picking up a win – Queen CIty went on to win, 38-28 – there were several bright spots in the team’s opening game.
Queen City scored first to start the game, but the Rebels answered with their defense, when Jaquan Brown stripped a Bulldog ballcarrier and Connor Herring came up with the fumble recovery and ran 55 yards for the touchdown to give the Rebels a 7-6 lead.
After Queen City scored in the second quarter, the Rebels got back in scoring position. Chase Duffer ran away from Bulldog blitzers and floated a 33-yard touchdown pass to Mark Grider to put Rivercrest back in front.
The Bulldogs scored once to end the first half and once to start the second half, but the Rebels cut into the lead once again when Duffer fired a 29-yard scoring strike to Connor Young.
The Rebel rushing attack kept things close with strong efforts by Brown and Zane Dees.
In the fourth quarter, Duffer and Grider connected for a second time on a 41-yard touchdown strike that saw Grider get behind the Bulldog defense for the score. Unfortunately, Rivercrest could get no closer.
Duffer finished with 137 yards through the air and three touchdown passes against two interceptions. Grider caught seven passes for 93 yards and two scores. Young finished with two catches for 39 yards and a touchdown.
Brown and Dees combined for eight tackles – four each. Brown also had the forced fumble that led to Herring’s scoop and score.
The Rebels rushed for 117 yards and passed for 147 yards, but Queen City’s rushing attack did damage as the Bulldogs rushed for 310 yards on the night. The Rebels were also hurt by two turnovers.
Rivercrest will play at home for the first time this season Friday as they welcome Harleton to The Swamp.
Last season, the Wildcats defeated the Rebels at The Swamp, 44-26 in Rivercrest’s first home game of last season.
Last week, the Wildcats lost at home to Carlisle, 31-0. The Indian offense clicked against Harleton, with Carlisle rushing for 192 yards and passing for 163. Harleton was held to 83 yards for the game. The Wildcats went 3-14 on third down conversion attempts but did not turn the ball over.
The Wildcats are led by running back/receiver Cameron Johnson and two-time all-state defender Jayden Johnson.
Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.