Story by Tamas Mondovics
Thanks to the rivalry between East Bay and Riverview, the annual bout between the two programs comes with plenty of excitement and much-anticipation.
For the past nine times (including this year’s season opener game) East Bay enjoyed the upper hand and managed to hold onto the battle trophy.
Hoping to break the streak, the young Riverview team, led by program head coach William Mosel, came out strong scoring first with a 26-yard field goal by Yadir Blas, but quickly ran out of steam, unable to put anymore points on the board.
When it was over East Bay walked away with another annual rivalry game victory and the winning trophy after defeating Riverview 35-3, forcing the Sharks to look to next year for another chance to settle the score.
As for the Indians, the 2017-2018 fall season opener, which was postponed to a Saturday morning game due to the weather at Riverview’s J. Vince Thompson Stadium, was a great way to begin.
The Indians, led by Coach Frank LaRosa, are boasting a solid roster that includes returning senior quarterback Tanner Morris and four-year varsity running back Davonte Williams who rushed for more than 230 yards on 22 carries.
East Bay ran for 355 total yards and was able to hold Riverview to just 25 yards of offense on top of collecting a pair of turnovers.
To show his own strength and abilities, Morris also pulled his weight by rushing for 27 yards and reaching the end zone in the first and fourth quarters.
Pleased with his team’s performance, but emphasizing that it’s only the beginning, LaRosa praised his players commitment and hard work, including his running back.
“Davonte is not the biggest running back, but I’ll put him up against anybody in the county,” he said during a post game on the field interview.
LaRosa added that Williams wants the pressure on him and has great leadership ability. “The kids respect him, he said.”
Understandably disappointed, the Sharks hoped to get a much better start to the season especially in a rivalry game. Mosel reportedly acknowledged that Riverview is building the program and as a young team working on finding its footing.
For more information about local area high school football, please visit www.maxpreps.com.
