SARASOTA (SNN-TV) – With Week 9 of Friday Football Fever just one day away, the Riverview Rams are set to take part in our Absolute Aluminum Game of the Week, against the Venice Indians.
Tomorrow night will see the 1-4 Riverview Rams and the 3-2 Venice Indians collide…at Cleland Stadium. With both the Ram Bowl and Powell-Davis Stadium still needing repairs prior to hosting games, thanks to Hurricane Ian, Sarasota High School is playing host to the Rams home games to end the season.
Last week, Riverview fell to Clearwater Academy International 46-7, in a game dominated in the 2nd half by the Knights. Looking to revive following that loss, the Rams also aim to pick up their first victory over Venice since 2019, having allowed 76 points combined to the Indians in their last two meetings.
Having underperformed in their five games played this season, the Rams enter district play to close their season with a clean slate. With a playoff berth and a district championship still up for grabs, Riverview HC Josh Smithers has the utmost confidence in his team to right the ship in these final games.
“I mean, obviously, we understand what’s riding on this game. But like I said, we’ll prepare the same way. I’m really proud of our players, the way that they’ve prepared all year long, and unfortunately we haven’t performed the way that I feel that we should. Hopefully, Friday night we can play our best game.”
An underlying story in this match-up, is the clash of the 5-star titans, Venice DE Damon Wilson and Riverview DB/WR Charles Lester III.
With both teams riddled with talent, Lester and Wilson draw the most attention with their lengthy lists of collegiate offers and interests. The younger of the two, Rams junior CL3, relishes the competition and conversation around this match-up, and lets it fuel his play and his effort.
“It’s a hype game, so it’s got me riled up a little bit. It’s local, so I hear stuff during the week and it kind of bothers me. But, at the same time, it’s another given Friday. Every Friday I expect to go hard and do what’s expected. So, yeah there’s some tension this Friday, but it’s another Friday. I got to come out, bust my behind, and get it on.”
Kickoff tomorrow night from Sarasota High School is set for 7:30. Riverview’s ‘Senior Night’ festivities will begin prior to the game at 7pm, with Venice’s Homecoming ceremony taking place at halftime.
