Riverside and Troy Clash in State Semifinal Showdown
By Jared Samuel | November 27, 2024
As anticipation builds for the State Semifinals, two formidable teams, Riverside and Troy, prepare to battle for a chance to compete for the Class 2A Championship. Both squads have proven resilient through a challenging season, setting the stage for an epic clash.
Riverside Vikings (13-1)
Ranked #4 in PFN State Class 2A, the Vikings approach this pivotal game riding high after a decisive quarterfinal victory over Williams Valley. Head Coach Harry Armstrong’s prediction for success hinged on scoring at least 21 points, and the Vikings exceeded that expectation, thanks in part to senior quarterback Chase Taddonio’s standout performance—he threw for three touchdowns and rushed for another. The Viking offense has been bolstered by key contributions from wide receivers JJ Rogers and Jared Jackson, along with tight end Richie Kostoff. However, the heart of Riverside’s success lies in their defense, which intercepted a pass and forced three fumbles in their last game. With junior defensive lineman Tavian Branch leading the charge, the Vikings will need to maintain their high defensive standard against a potent Trojan offense.
Troy Trojans (14-0)
Standing as the top-ranked team in PFN State Class 2A, Troy has showcased dominance throughout the season. Under the guidance of Head Coach Jim Smith, the Trojans’ senior quarterback Evan Woodward has excelled, amassing over 1,500 passing yards and 20 touchdowns, while junior running back Brendan Gilliland has contributed significantly with 1,246 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns. The Trojan defense has been formidable, allowing an average of just over 12 points per game, evident in their recent 42-16 victory against Bedford.
Outlook
Troy enters the matchup with a substantial edge, but Riverside aims to leverage their defense to create turnovers, paralleling their prior successes. This semifinal promises to be a competitive affair, with the victor earning the opportunity to vie for the state title next week.
Source
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