GAINESVILLE, Ga. — The monkey is off Riverside's back.
The Eagles offense scored 36 points en route to a 36-6 win over Cross Keys at home, breaking the 35-game losing streak that dated back to 2021.
Friday night was a lot of firsts in a long time for the Eagles. It was the first win in four years, the first time they had scored over 30 points in a game since 2021, and the first time the Eagles had opened the season with a win since 2014, when they beat Fellowship Christian.
The Eagles led 24-0 at halftime, also a first in a long time.
"Just to see the happiness of the fans, school administrators, and the kids was all worth it," Riverside coach Jeff Lee said. "I got kids who have been here for three, four years, and a lot of them even said that was the first time they've been ahead at halftime. You know, I think last year we got ahead in the second half of two games. And so, you know, to see their faces. I mean, that's why I do this. I mean, it is fun. It was fun just to see the fruits of their work pay off."
JJ Blackwell had a big night for the Eagles, accounting for three TDs, one fumble recovery in the endzone, and two touchdown passes, including a 64-yard strike to Michael Omeh to push the Eagles ahead 24-0 in the second quarter. In the second half, Blackwell connected with Max Vegas on another big play, a 40-yard pass to give the Eagles a 36-6 lead.
"We didn't have much for him planned tonight," Lee said. "I mean, more than just managing the game. But he can do a lot with his feet, and, of course, his arm is decent, and he proved it tonight. He hit the open guys, and when I get the final stats posted, he'll be well over 100 yards passing."
Luke Allsbroke highlighted the defense with an interception in the first half. It set up Jacques Chiller's 13-yard TD run.
Riverside will travel to Lanier Christian on Thursday. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.
Lee said LCA is a very good team and hopes his team can build on Friday night's win.
"They beat Lakeview last Saturday," he said. "So, we know they're good. They have good players, are well coached and will play hard. I told our bunch tonight that we'll get back at it on Monday and see if we can make it another 1-0 week."
