Riverdale and Rockridge ready to faceoff in the Six Spotlight Game

EDGINGTON, Ill (KWQC) - Rockridge will host Riverdale Friday in the Six Spotlight Game. Both teams are 2-0 marking the best start for Riverdale since the Rams went 4-0 to start the season in 2011.

“Pressure is a privilege. We’re at this spot because of the things they’ve done to this point” said Riverdale head coach Guy Dierikx.

It’s been a remarkable turnaround for Riverdale. Three years ago, the Rams didn’t have a varsity team. Two years ago, they finished 0-9. Last year Riverdale just missed out on the playoffs.

“Last year that momentum that we had to just know that we can do it and we just have a way better team now so we can just dominate this year as long as we put out minds to it” said Riverdale junior quarterback Abram Krier.

Rockridge is ranked #3 in Illinois Class 2A.

“They’re tough, they’re physical, they’re a good football team but why not Riverdale? Why can’t we beat Rockridge? Cinderella story” said Riverdale junior Marcus Bennett.

Leading the Rockridge on offense is Junior quarterback Cullen Schwigen.

In two games, Schwigen’s had a total of 11 touchdowns. His teammates say he’s been throwing the ball extremely well and Schwigen says he feels more confident.

“I’ve seen it grown since last year,” said Schwigen. “I think I’ve grown up a little bit, became more of a leader, which is good, not as quiet. I really think everywhere, it’s kind of working for us. I would say mainly our receivers right now. But everything up front looks really good too.”

“I tell you what, he’s got an incredible arm talent,” said Rockridge Head Coach Sam Graves. “He’s physically a great quarterback running the ball, but again, you know, entering his third year, I think there’s a little bit more of comfort with the mental part of the game, and that’s where I think you’ll see the most growth from him, is once he can get more comfortable with himself mentally and what he’s seeing out there on the field, everything will slow down, and that’s when they’ll get even better.”

Rockridge takes on Riverdale at home on Friday. Kick off is set for 7:00 p.m. Watch for live pregame coverage on KWQC at 5:00 and 6:00 Friday night.