Riverside and its star running back Kale Long capped a memorable 2020 season with a commanding performance against Benjamin Logan in a non-league finale Friday night.
Long exploded for five more touchdowns to push his season total to 27 as the Pirates pulled away for a 42-19 victory over the host Raiders.
Friday’s game was not on the original schedules for the two Logan County schools, but it was recently added since they each still had an extra game at their disposal.
“I am beyond proud of our guys,” said Riverside head coach Bryce Hodge, who guided his squad to an 8-2 record including a pair of playoff victories this fall. “All along, we wanted to do everything we could do to make sure we were able to get 10 games in. We were excited to play another county team like Ben Logan. They have 198 boys in their school and we have 75. I couldn’t be more excited about the way our guys played tonight.”
The Raiders, who finish at 3-7, were unable to slow down Long as he ripped off 325 yards on 33 carries.
“Kudos to them. Riverside is a good team and (Long) is a really good football player,” said Ben Logan head coach Jeff Fay. “The reason we wanted to play them was to see who the best team in Logan County was this season, and I have to say that they are it.”
After playing quarterback last season as a junior, Long shifted to the role of the team’s featured tailback this fall and finished the season with a sensational 2,338 rushing yards. In addition, he was the glue of the Pirates’ defense from his middle linebacker spot.
“It’s been so awesome to watch what Kale accomplished this season,” said Hodge. “It’s like having another coach on the field because he gets us lined up on both sides of the ball. His offensive line did a great job for him all season, too. I am really proud of those guys as well. They showed great improvement this season.”
The Pirates outgained Ben Logan 492-258 in total yards.