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    • DJ Taylor healthy, ready for Riverdale stretch run
    Duluth

    DJ Taylor healthy, ready for Riverdale stretch run

    Eira Gwyneth Posted on

    Riverdale got a firsthand look Friday as to why it’s important that senior running back and MTSU commit DJ Taylor is healthy for the stretch run and the TSSAA Football Playoffs.

    A healthy Taylor in the lineup allows the Warriors to play possession football and let their stingy defense do what it can all season. That was evident in Riverdale’s 24-7 win over backyard rival Blackman.

    Taylor had missed the last three games with a minor knee injury. Warrior coach Will Kriesky didn’t rush his best offensive weapon. The next few games are much more important for Riverdale.

    “It’s that time of year,” Kriesky said. “That’s why we did what we did for the last three weeks. These last three weeks of the season are huge.”

    The win advances Riverdale (7-1, 3-0 Region 3-6A) to the regional championship game at home against Oakland in Week 11, the second straight year the two have met for the title. The Warriors first have a regional contest against Siegel in Week 10, but win or lose, the matchup against the Patriots will be for the top seed.

    And a healthy Taylor will be a much-needed weapon for the Warriors in this game and the playoffs.

    “Especially after being away for three weeks, I was ready to get out of the cage,” said Taylor, who also missed time last season but Riverdale was a much more pass-oriented team back then. “(Being healthy late in the season) is important, especially during these regional games and knowing we will be playing for the regional championship again. We want to play all four playoff games at home.”

    MTSU commit DJ Taylor makes big return to the lineup

    Taylor had been playing well before the injury, rushing for 377 yards on 58 carries and four touchdowns. On Friday, he rushed 17 times for 91 yards and a touchdown and added a six-yard TD reception.

    “That’s why MTSU signs him…he’s a special player,” Kriesky said.

    Taylor said he still feels a little discomfort while running, but that’s something he’ll have to deal with down the stretch in big games.

    “I feel good,” Taylor said. “I was really confident coming in. I had to make it for the boys. It’s just something I have to work through.”

    Kriesky praised the Warrior offensive line, a unit that needs to continue to play well for Taylor and the offense.

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    “We ran the ball in the second half and did some good things,” said Kriesky, whose team scored 17 unanswered points in the second half. “That had a huge impact on the playoffs. I don’t care what anyone says, we don’t want to play Blackman in the playoffs. They are a good football team. And I’m not just saying that because of the participants’ other sideline (Blackman coach and twin brother Matt Kriesky).”

    Senior quarterback Malachi Telin had a rushing touchdown for the Warriors, whose defense limited an opponent to seven points or fewer for the sixth straight game.

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    Blackman (4-4, 1-2) scored its only touchdown on a 12-yard pass from Marcus Cameron to John Dragoo. The Blaze play at home against Rockvale, Week 10.

    Cecil Joyce covers high school sports and MTSU athletics for the Daily News Journal. Contact him at [email protected] and follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @Cecil_Joyce.

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    Eira Gwyneth
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