DAYTON — The Riverside Pirates have quickly established themselves as one of the teams to watch in the Three Rivers Conference, and they will look to continue that momentum Friday night when they travel to Dayton to take on the Northridge Polar Bears.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Riverside enters the matchup at 5-1 overall and 3-0 in conference play following a 41-24 victory over Bethel last Friday. The Pirates have won five straight after opening the season with a loss to Ansonia, and their recent run has included wins over Northeastern, Spencerville, Milton-Union, Covington and Bethel.
The Pirates have done much of their damage on the ground this season. Riverside is averaging more than 298 rushing yards per game, while averaging 351 total yards per contest.
That rushing attack has been led by a number of contributors, including senior Dylan Trimble, who is averaging over 100 rushing yards per game. Junior fullback/defensive end Gunner Carpenter has also provided a significant scoring presence, entering the week with 12 total touchdowns and joining Trimble in averaging over 100 RYPG.
The duo makes up a combination of "Boom and Zoom", Carpenter bringing a bruising presence and Trimble being the more nimble and quick of the two. They are the number two and three backs in the conference in terms of rushing yards.
Quarterback Brody Orsborne gives Riverside another dimension offensively. The junior has also contributed through the air while helping direct an offense that has scored at least 27 points in each of its last four games.
Defensively, the Pirates have shown the ability to create game-changing plays. Junior Linbacker Liam Shoe leads the team in tackles per game, while senior defensive back David Gross has already recorded two interceptions this season.
Across the field, Northridge enters Friday's matchup looking to bounce back from a difficult night against Miami East. The Polar Bears were shut out 38-0 last Friday, dropping their record to 2-4 on the season.
Despite the recent loss, Northridge has shown it can compete within the Three Rivers Conference. The Polar Bears picked up a 28-13 victory over Milton-Union earlier this season and defeated Lehman Catholic 21-6.
Friday's game will also mark the beginning of an important stretch for both teams as the conference race continues to take shape.
For Riverside, the objective is straightforward: continue doing what has worked during its five-game winning streak. The Pirates have found consistency on the ground, created turnovers defensively and put points on the scoreboard.
Northridge, meanwhile, will be looking to put last week's shutout behind it and provide a different challenge on its home field.
The Polar Bears will host Riverside at 7 p.m. Friday in Dayton. For the Pirates, another victory would keep their momentum rolling and provide another opportunity to strengthen their position in the Three Rivers Conference.
Game Information:
Riverside Pirates (5-1) at Northridge Polar Bears (2-4)
Friday, Oct. 2 — 7 p.m.
Northridge High School — Dayton, Ohio
