Fumbles costly for Chicks in loss to RHS

First quarter fumbles plagued the Chickasaws (0-3) in a 21-6 loss to the Riverview Raiders (3-1) Sept.17 at Haley Field.

A deep kick return from Tyquon Love set up Blytheville near midfield on their first possession. However, the Chicks’ ball security issues started soon after. A snap sailed over quarterback Omarion Russell's head to push the offense back and forced an early three and out.

On their first defensive possession, the Chicks were hit with a pass interference penalty to assist the Riverview offense. The penalty placed the Raiders at the Blytheville 35 yard line and set the stage for their first score.

A 21-yard rushing touchdown for Riverview's Koby Teeter put the Raiders ahead with five minutes left in the first.

Riverview's offense was back on the field in short order after a fumble from Blytheville on the kick return.

However, the Chickasaw defense was able to hold on the following drive, but Blytheville's next fumble was too much ti overcome.

The turnover led to a fourth down touchdown pass for the Raiders as they pushed their advantage to 14.

"We doing a good job in helping people beat us," Blytheville head coach Greg Ruffin said. "We’re not good enough right now to make the kind of mistakes we are and overcome them."

Despite some big runs from Love and Tim Brown, the Chicks were unable to capitalize. Some costly penalties stalled their momentum and helped keep them out of the end zone.

The Raiders went in to score once more in the opening half to take a 21-0 level lead into halftime.

Midway through the fourth quarter however, the Chicks were able to connect on their first touchdown of the season. Omarion Russell found Tyler Landry streaking down the left sideline for a 20-yard score to close the game.

Despite the score coming through the air, most of Blytheville's production came on the ground throughout the contest with Brown leading the team with 76 rushing yards.

Blytheville will enter conference play next week as they host Cave City on Sept. 24. Ruffin believes a continued focus on discipline is the key for the Chicks to find success and get in the win column.

"We've got to become a better disciplined football team. We're getting beat on discipline and I'm pushing that day in and day out. But we're a work in progress when it comes to that and not helping people beat us," Ruffin said. "Blytheville doesn't need any help beating Blytheville."