High scoring foes Rivercrest, Newport meet Friday

By DAVID PIERCE

Sports Connection Team

The scoreboard operator for Friday’s 3A-3 Conference matchup between the visiting Rivercrest Colts and the Newport Greyhounds may need as much prep time this week as the football teams.

Andrew Lomack

Considering the two teams’ scoring has been at a premium this season, the scoreboard will likely be flickering with point updates Friday.

Newport (4-0, 1-0) enters the contest averaging 53 points per game, including a season-high 66 against White River rival Batesville. The team has yet to be held to less than 40 points this season.

Rivercrest spends more than its fair share of time in the end zone averaging 43 points per game. Since a Week 0 29-14 win versus Gosnell, the Colts (4-0, 1-0) average is 48 ppg.

The two squads, who haven’t played since 2017 after years as bitter rivals in the 1980s, have the ability to run or pass the ball although Newport is a little more run heavy in its attack, while Rivercrest is more of a balanced offense – 699 passing and 941 rushing.

Newport’s offense has exceeded 1,000 rushing yards thus far and former Penn State commit Kiandrea Baker leads the way with 588 yards and nine touchdowns. The senior is averaging more than 10 yards per carry. Quarterback Luke Reynolds is also a threat to run as well with 419 yards rushing and six touchdowns. The Colts can’t sleep on Nemo Crite either as he had his best rushing game of the season with 53 yards against Piggott.

Yes, the Greyhounds seemingly can score at will but so can Rivercrest in any of number of ways – offense, defense or special teams. Of the Colts 25 TDs, 19 have come conventionally via the ground and air but the balance have come defensively and on special teams. RHS has scored three each on defense and special teams – two interception and one fumble recovery, plus two kick returns and one punt.

Still, with quarterback Cavonta Washington who has totaled 1,003 yards passing and rushing with 14 TDs, athlete Jayden Young and receiver Buddah Harris, the Colt offense has its own formidable trio.

If averages hold up, the game will likely come down to which team has the ball last or which defense can get a pivotal stop.

Defensively, the Greyhounds are led by Crite’s eight tackles per game and Tyler Ridley has proven to be a standout on that side of the ball as well. He posted 5.5 tackles in a 56-18 win over Piggott last week.

Rivercrest’s defense surrenders 23 points per game but has a penchant for the big play as evidenced by the three defensive scores, seven interceptions and 31 tackles for a loss. Andrew Lomack has delivered as has fellow linebacker Nolan Miller.

Needless to say, this game may be just the second of league play but will have postseason ramifications.

Game time is 7 p.m. in Newport.