(Oakland) For the first time since 2013 Riverside enters Week 2 with a 1-0 record. The Bulldogs will face West Monona Friday night.
Riverside was sharp in their opener with a 45-0 decision over Red Oak. After the defense pitched a shutout a week ago they’ll be tasked with stopping a strong West Monona offense. The Spartans are coming off of a 34-22 win against Sidney. Riverside coach Darrell Frain takes a look at the opposition, “They have a pretty good offense. One receiver had over 200 yards himself. Both receivers are fast and big. They are going to create a lot of obstacles for us and then they have a 220 pound back that rushed for 130-140 yards also. Having our defense contain their offense is going to be the biggest challenge.”
Coach Frain says the defensive line played well last week, but the rest of the defense has some new pieces that are still getting up to speed. “At linebacker we have a lot of inexperienced kids that are learning how to do things right…we have to get better there and that will help our whole defense. If we can play better defensively I like our chances in a lot of games.”
Coach Frain says his team can’t relax after starting off the season with a win. “I’ve challenged them a lot this week and for the most part they’ve stepped up. I feel comfortable with where we are at.”
Coach Frain’s arrival a few years ago restored a lot of excitement and hope within the program, but fans are still waiting to see that big step forward. They appear to be close. “I don’t know if you can put it in wins and losses, but the way we show up and compete those wins are going to come. I hope people understand and can see that we are better. I’d like to tell you we’ll win five or six game, but I don’t know where we’ll be. I know we definitely have a chance to do that or more. Hopefully we put a good product on the field and everyone can see that.”
Last Friday night Rhett Bentley took advantage of some strong play from the offensive line with 158 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. The Bulldogs were also efficient through the air as Austin Kremskoski hit on 7/8 throws for 133 yards and two scores. Brogan Allensworth was the favorite target with five grabs for 106 yards and two TD’s.
