One word best describes how Eastside head coach Andre Woolcock felt after a 20-14 rivalry win over Riverside on Friday night.
Relief.
A slugfest that came down to the final play — an interception by senior Eastside DB Christian McDowell in the end zone as time expired — ended, finally, with the Eagles claiming the rivalry crown. It’s Eastside’s first win over Riverside since 2020.
“We showed determination here tonight,” said Woolcock. “You had a hungry Riverside team and a hungry Eastside team out here tonight. Both teams fought really hard. We just kept digging and kept fighting and kept working, and the hard work paid off. We haven’t beat Riverside in a while, so this feels good.”
In a game that was delayed for two hours before halftime due to lightning in the area, Eastside (1-2) did just enough to will its way to victory. McDowell, who also caught a 65-yard touchdown pass from QB Jordan Butler in the first half, was the hero when it mattered most.
He stepped in front of a Riverside pass in the corner of the end zone as the clock struck zero, leaping and securing the interception into his chest.
Christian McDowell's game-winning interception in the end zone as time expired.
“They tried that same pass play earlier in the game and I saw it,” said McDowell. “They were looking for [Riverside WR Peyton Stevenson]. He’s a good receiver, I’ve got to give him credit. But I knew the ball was going there, so I had to stand my ground and stay disciplined. Ball came right to me, and I made a play.”
McDowell and fellow senior DB Joanire Green were lockdown all night in the secondary. Green preceded McDowell’s game-winning pick with two of his own in the second half, helping the Eagles stave off late momentum from Riverside (0-4).
Green and McDowell both say Friday night’s win is one that’s been years in the making.
“It’s like a redemption story,” said Green. “We’ve been doubted for a lot of years. I’ve seen it. It’s redemption for past years. Making that change tonight, it’s big.”
“There’s pressure coming in here [to Riverside],” said McDowell. “They’ve been up on us for six years. We knew what we had to do and knew the game plan. We stayed down and everyone did their part, and we got the W. That’s what team’s about.”
The only negative in a game full of ups for Eastside was a late injury to standout defensive lineman Lyndez Smith. With just over a minute left in the game, Smith went down to the ground holding his knee, in clear discomfort. He limped off the field with the help of trainers.
“We hope and pray he’s alright,” said Woolcock. “He’ll be out next week against Wade Hampton, but we’re hoping to get good news. [Lyndez] is a heck of a ballplayer.”
After the game, the team gathered to pray for the junior, who was in the Riverside backfield wreaking havoc all night.
Smith was a huge reason the Eagles snapped the five-game losing streak to rival Riverside. It’s a rivalry that Eastside has found itself with chances to win in the past half-decade, but this year, the Eagles finally took it.
“This game is kind of like a sibling rivalry, if you think about it,” said Woolcock. “These kids grew up going to church together and hanging out together, sitting next to each other in middle school. There’s a respect too, though. We don’t like each other, but only when we’re playing against one another.
“It feels good to get this win, though. Always feels good to beat your rival.”
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