Late TD derails Rebels upset bid

Playing on the road, Riverside had Encampment on the ropes in the first round of the six-man football playoffs.

The Rebels led 12-0 at the half and 12-7 after three before the Tigers  rallied for a pair of touchdowns in the final 2 minutes, 30 seconds to escape with the 20-18 win and end Riverside’s season.

“I’m incredibly proud of our team,” said Coach Matt Jensen, whose squad was soundly beaten by the same Encampment team 44-8 in early September. The Rebels had five turnovers that day, but were much better in the rematch.

“Our team executed the offensive game plan well, attacking their defense vertically with several strong passes down the field,” said Jensen. “We were able to stretch their coverage and create big-play opportunities through the air. 

“In the first half, we also ran the ball effectively, keeping the defense off balance and setting up our passing game nicely.”

Brendan Powell and Corbyn Godfrey led the ground attack, with Powell rushing 10 times for 19 yards and a touchdown and Godfrey carrying 11 times for 53 yards.  Jaxson Womack added 31 yards on eight totes.

The Rebels had it working through the air, with Gavyn Cervantes going 7-of-13 for 135 yards and two touchdowns, both ending up in the arms of Paul Stone.

The latter came moments after Encampment had taken a 14-12 lead and set the stage for Encampment’s winning score, which came on a run with less than a minute to play.

Stone finished with two catches for 60 yards, Godfrey hauled in three for 40 and Womack caught one for 26.

On the defensive side, Zack Kuntz had 5 solo tackles, 4 assisted tackles, 2 tackles for loss and an interception.  Paul Stone had 5 solos, 4 assists and 2 pass breakups.  Elias Jensen had 4 solos, 4 assists, 1 pass breakup and 1 forced fumble.  Kenneth McClure had 2 solos, 2 assists and 1 fumble recovery.

“Unfortunately, in the playoffs, the margin of error is very thin,” Jensen said. “When looking back at the game, it was a pretty evenly matched battle from start to finish, but it ultimately came down to a few key plays on offense, defense, and special teams that made the difference. They were able to capitalize on those moments, and we came up just short. 

“I’m proud of our seniors’ contributions to the team and program, and pleased with our underclassmen’s development this year. Even though we were not able to attain every goal that we had for ourselves this year, we did accomplish our main goal and that was to be better men. 

“This group has fought through adversity time and time again—they’re competitors, and they never quit. I’m proud to be their coach!”

With the loss, the playing careers of Powell, Mason Brown, Camden Schriner, Andrew Sawyer and Stone came to an end.

Encampment, meanwhile, moves on to the semifinals and will play in Burlington Friday at 1 p.m., with the winner advancing to the title game Saturday, Nov. 15 in Laramie.