Riverview's 1-2 crushes Freedom

By BRANDON WRIGHT
Published November 12, 2005

RIVERVIEW - If Riverview is to navigate its way through the state playoffs, the Sharks will lean heavily on the legs of their twin tailback tandem and a stout defense.

The Sharks' Antwain Powers and Jahleel Addae each topped 100 yards and Riverview's defense forced four turnovers in a convincing 34-15 victory over Orlando Freedom Friday night.

"It just feels so good to be in the playoffs here at home," Powers said of the first home postseason game in Riverview history. "Everybody came out to support us and we showed what we could do."

Powers and Addae put on a show in Riverview's (10-1) first playoff game since 2001. Both backs scored twice and Powers finished with 143 yards on 23 carries while Addae gained 183 on 19 attempts.

"People always ask if I get mad when he gets more carries than me," Powers said. "But we're like brothers and if I have to block for him I will. It's nothing but love between us."

The two backs - who look like mirror images - actually both had 143 yards rushing before Addae broke off a 40-yard touchdown on his final carry of the night.

"Those two are so patient and unselfish," coach Dan O'Regan said. "Freedom tried to overload our base play and stop one, so we just gave the ball to the other."

The Sharks' defense was stifling, picking off Freedom quarterback Matuni Vaiaoga three times. Jacquain Williams snared two of the interceptions, with the first setting up a Powers touchdown from 24 yards and a 7-0 lead.

"The defense took care of business out there tonight," O'Regan said.

Freedom was penalized 10 times for a total of 99 yards.

[Last modified November 12, 2005, 00:55:15]