NORTH FULTON: Riverwood’s new coach has playoff expectations

Riverwood’s 15-13 victory against Holy Innocents’ in last week’s opener was a solid step toward the school’s first winning season since 2001.

But new coach Robert Igram, the Raiders’ sixth coach this decade, said his players won’t be satisfied with just a winning season.

“Our expectations are to get into the playoffs,” he said. “We’re not going to use the old excuse that we’re not expected to win so it’s OK if we don’t.”

Riverwood, of Region 5-AAA, hopes to take another winning step tonight against visiting Blessed Trinity, a former subregion foe which dropped to Region 6-AA this season. That’ll be a challenge, considering the Raiders (1-0) have never beaten the Titans (1-0) in four tries. The Raiders lost to the Titans 24-0 last season.

“We haven’t discussed the fact that we haven’t beaten them,” Ingram said. “Our kids and community are hungry to win, against Blessed Trinity or whomever.”

Riverwood’s Kahlil Priddie had 87 yards rushing and 43 passing against Holy Innocents’. Safety Jack Cartee and linebacker Charlie Hollman both had 11 tackles.

Blessed Trinity beat Oconee 37-13, as Kohl Hegetschweiler passed for 127 yards and Sam Burkhalter rushed for two touchdowns and 166 yards.

BLESSED TRINITY AT RIVERWOOD

> When, where: 7:30 p.m. today, Bill Hoskyn Stadium, Atlanta.

> Records, rankings: Both teams are 1-0; neither is ranked.

Other top games

ROSWELL (0-1) AT CENTENNIAL (1-0)

> When, where: 7:30 p.m. today, Centennial High Stadium, Roswell.

> Why it counts: It’s the first Region 6-AAAAA game for both teams, following the Hornets’ 32-21 loss to Tift County and the Knights’ 35-9 victory against Northview.

> Three keys: 1. The Hornets haven’t jelled under new coach Leo Barker. 2. Watch for Centennial’s Gabe Howard, who had a 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the opener. 3. The Knights haven’t beaten the Hornets in their last five tries.

ALPHARETTA (1-0) AT WHEELER (0-1)

> When, where: 7:30 p.m. today, Corky Kell Stadium, Marietta.

> Why it counts: This will break the 1-1 series record between the teams.

> Three keys: 1. The Raiders scored on two 67-yard passes in their opening victory against South Forsyth. 2. Alpharetta’s Mikal Abdul-Saboor passed for 167 yards and the two scores and ran for 54 yards. 3. The Wildcats are looking to rebound from a 28-0 loss to Warner Robins in their opener.

MARIETTA (0-0) AT NORTHVIEW (0-1)

> When, where: 7:30 p.m. today, Northview Stadium, Duluth.

> Why it counts: Both teams are looking for their first victory of the season.

> Three keys: 1. It’s the Titans’ chance for an initial win under new coach Jim Showfety, following last week’s 35-9 loss to Centennial. 2. Watch for Northview’s Samoir Patrick, who rushed for 115 yards in the opener. 3. The Blue Devils should be fresh, having been idle in Week 1.

Elsewhere

> Milton at Campbell; Mount Paran Christian at Mount Pisgah Christian; Chattahoochee at Parkview; Prince Avenue Christian at Fellowship Christian (Saturday); Eagle’s Landing Christian at Holy Innocents’ (Saturday).