Unpacking Riverdale's epic win over Oakland − and what's ahead in TSSAA football playoffs
MURFREESBORO − It will be unchartered territory, at least by the standard of the past several years, for the Riverdale and Oakland football teams when the TSSAA Class 6A state playoffs begin Friday.
The Warriors will be a No. 1 seed for the first time since 2011, snapping a streak of eight consecutive seasons Oakland has been a top seed entering the playoffs, thanks to a come-from-behind 25-24 Riverdale win Friday night at Ray Hughes Stadium.
"(Riverdale) making that play at the end, throws us right into second place, which we've never been," said Oakland coach Kevin Creasy, referring to a 2-point conversion pass executed by the Warriors with 1:30 left. "I think it shows us we can lose to a team in Rutherford County."
Riverdale coaches and players wanted to soak in the win, if only a little before thinking about the playoffs. The victory snapped a 12-game losing streak against the Patriots,
"(Playoff preparation) will come Sunday," Riverdale coach Will Kriesky said. "I'm going to let them enjoy this moment."
What lies ahead for the Warriors (8-2, 4-1 Region 3-6A) and Patriots (8-2, 4-1) in the postseason?
What's up next for Riverdale, Oakland in TSSAA playoffs?
Riverdale and Oakland will both have first-round home games, with the Warriors playing host to Green Hill and the Patriots playing host to Gallatin.
Mt. Juliet is the No. 1 seed in the region and Cookeville is No. 2.
"Whoever we have, we'll study hard," said Riverdale senior wide receiver Brock Montgomery, who had 101 yards receiving and a touchdown vs. Oakland. "Me and my family, when I've been coming home from practice, we watch film and distinctive details about defensive backs (in Region 4-6A)."
The Gallatin-Oakland winner will play the winner of Rockvale vs. Mt. Juliet. The Riverdale-Green Hill winner will play the Siegel-Cookeville winner with a berth in the state quarterfinals at stake.
MORE: Riverdale football rallies to stun Oakland 25-24 and claim Region 3-6A title
Will Riverdale and Oakland get a rematch in TSSAA 6A quarterfinals?
Are the two rivals headed for a collision course in the quarterfinals?
"100%," said Riverdale senior quarterback Braden Graham, when asked if he expected the two to play again. Graham was 31 of 40 for 360 yards and two TDs in Friday's win. "I'm excited about tonight, but tomorrow I'll move on and get ready for Round 1. If everything goes as planned for both teams, we'll play again, and it will be even harder."
The two teams have met in the playoffs twice over the last decade, most recently in 2020 when Oakland defeated Riverdale 39-14 in the 6A quarterfinals.
"We know if we win a couple of games we have a chance to see these guys again," Creasy said.
"We've got to be focused," Kriesky said. "Every team we see from here on out is going to be a really good team."
This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: TSSAA football playoffs: Riverdale, Oakland in quarterfinal rematch?
