Riverview uses varied offensive attack to roll to 41-0 win over Springdale

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, September 21, 2024 | 4:50 PM

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Riverview quarterback Rio Stotts believes in watching game tape and thoroughly preparing for each week’s game. But when it comes to implementing the game plan, Stotts likes having the opportunity to make decisions on the fly.

Stotts and his teammates kept Springdale guessing Saturday at Riverside Park. The Raiders put up five touchdowns in the first half on the way to a 41-0 Eastern Conference victory.

“We just say ‘hut’ and let the plays go,” said Stotts, who was 7 of 9 passing for 103 yards. “Whenever it’s a pass, we don’t have one designated person who will get the ball. Anyone can get the ball at any time.”

Riverview (2-1, 1-0) exploited the undermanned Dynamos defense. Springdale, which dresses only 18 players, has been outscored 187-6 this season and has failed to score three times.

The Raiders let nine players carry the ball 16 times for 238 yards. Max Kratt led the team with 53 yards on two carries, and Landon Johnson was second with 48 yards on four carries.

Riverview coach Trevor George said he has confidence in the variety of the Raiders’ offensive attack.

“We believe that every kid who has the ball can make something happen,” George said. “We want to spread it out, and that leaves the defense in a hard spot with how to defend.”

Springdale (0-4, 0-1) nearly scored on the first play from scrimmage. Quarterback Nathan Gebauer completed a pass for an 84-yard catch-and-run that went to the Raiders’ 1-yard line. However, the play was wiped out by a block in the back.

“We talked about doing that,” Dynamos coach Chad Walsh said. “We wanted to try something different. They’ve seen us do the same thing on film. We are trying to develop everything, and the kids are starting to get a little footing. Let’s go out and try to take them by surprise.”

The Dynamos’ offense never got close to the end zone again. Springdale was held to 28 yards of total offense, including 20 through the air.

“I think our kids did a good job of getting in their gaps,” George said. “They are doing a good job of playing physical and fast between the tackles.”

Riverview didn’t take long to get on the scoreboard after forcing the Dynamos to punt on their first possession. The Raiders’ first play from scrimmage was a 47-yard touchdown run by Prince Govan.

Stotts said Riverview’s mantra all week was big plays. The Raiders were confident the run to Govan could end with a score.

“We wanted that first play. It’s a design, and it’s going to work,” Stotts said. “We watch film all the time. This play will fit well with how they defend it.”

Stotts scored Riverview’s second touchdown on a 15-yard run. The Raiders extended their lead to three touchdowns early in the second quarter when Johnny Betucci caught a 9-yard touchdown pass from Stotts.

Johnson and Kaden Levy also scored for Riverview. The Raiders improved to 27-17 against their rivals and snapped a two-game losing skid.

Stotts is confident Riverview’s unpredictable offense will pay dividends down the road.

“It starts with our line,” Stotts said. “Our line, if they protect and do their job upfront every week, we will win the game. We can do anything, and we have players who change their positions. It’s good for us to switch up and play different positions.”

Tags: Riverview, Springdale