By STEVE HEATH
The Daily News Journal

MURFREESBORO — Riverdale’s defense didn’t play long, but it played well.

Three plays and rest was the routine in Friday’s 31-0 victory over Wilson Central at Tomahawk Stadium.

It was Riverdale’s 74th straight region/district win and 21st straight victory on its home field.

Senior running back Scott Thomas scored on a 60-yard run for the first score and the only points needed on a night the defense gave the offense plenty of time to play.

“Pretty awesome,” said Riverdale Coach Ron Aydelott of his team’s defense. “It makes good for a bad offensive night.”

The Warriors defense held Wilson Central to one first down and 34 yards of total offense on a night its offense scored 31 points but lost two first-half fumbles.

The lone Wilson Central (1-5, 0-3 in Region 4-5A) first down came on a 21-yard pass from backup quarterback Connor McChurch to Ross Strong. It got the Wildcats to midfield, but McChurch was thrown for a 10-yard loss by junior tackle LaDarrius Verge on the next play.

“Coach Aydelott and his staff did a great job,” said Wilson Central Coach Traye Aric, whose team played without four injured starters including senior quarterback Aaron Scott, a three-year starter. “You’ve got to take your hat off to those guys. They work hard. They play hard. There’s a lot of tradition and a lot of honor (at Riverdale) and they defended it.”

Riverdale took a 14-0 lead with 6:34 remaining in the first half on a 1-yard run by fullback Monty Newsom. It finished a 13-play, 83-yard drive. Thomas added a 33-yard run in the third quarter then completed a 16-yard touchdown pass to Rydell Mayes on the first play of the fourth quarter.

“Our defense probably played the best it has all year,” said Thomas, who added enough offense with 120 rushing yards, two touchdowns and a touchdown pass.