Riverside knocks VC out of playoffs

The Vermilion Catholic Eagles will not be returning to the Superdome for a second year.
The No. 5 ranked Riverside Academy Rebels knocked the Eagles out of the Select Division IV playoffs with a 34-7 win in wet conditions.
The game was paused for a 90-minute lighting/rain delay with 1:04 remaining in the first half and the Rebels leading 21-7.
VC’s only touchdown came with 5:15 left in the first half when safety Ross Dartez intercepted a pass and ran it back 60 yards.
VC’s offense failed to score a touchdown, marking the first time since the 2021 season when Abbeville shut out the Eagles 43-0.
Despite the loss, VC head coach Broc Prejean expressed pride in his team’s accomplishments, which included reaching the semifinals and finishing with a 12-1 record. The team only had 27 players for most of the year.
The Rebels (12-1) advance to the Division IV Select Finals to face Southern Lab, who defeated defending state champs Ouachita Christian on Friday night.
This is the first time Riverside has reached the semifinals since 2017. In 2016, they won the Division III state title and were runners-up in 2015.
Prejean praised the Rebels’ execution of their offense and defense. He said, “They were what we expected and more. They had a terrific game plan. The ball did not bounce our way.”
The Eagles had opportunities to score more points, but a fumble and interception dashed their hopes.
Riverside head coach Lee Rousell credited his players, particularly the offensive line, for controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.
He also praised his defensive line for limiting big plays by VC’s quarterback Jonathan Dartez.
Rousell said, “All of the credit goes to our players. When it mattered the most, our offensive and defensive line stepped up.”