Riverside Soars Past Montrose as Franklin Drops In

By: Justin Bradley | Sportzwire | September 19, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography

MONTROSE — Thursday night football in Susquehanna County had more than a game on the schedule, it had a show.

The Montrose Meteors hosted the Riverside Vikings for a Week 5 kickoff, but before the ball was even snapped, all eyes turned skyward as a helicopter touched down on the Meteors’ upper practice field.

Stepping out was none other than Penn State head coach James Franklin, fresh off preparing his No. 2 ranked Nittany Lions, making the trip to watch his newest commit, Riverside’s defensive tackle Tavian Branch, ranked No. 14 in Pennsylvania.

Unfortunately for the hometown crowd, the Vikings wasted little time taking over. Riverside exploded for 20 first-quarter points and never looked back, rolling to a 60-6 victory in a completely one-sided affair.

Scoring Recap

First Quarter:

Brayden Rose set the tone with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Jared Jackson, then connected on a 50-yard strike to Carmelo Barnett. Barnett added a 14-yard touchdown run to cap the early surge.

Second Quarter:

The onslaught continued as Rose tossed two more touchdowns—one to Mitchell Muskey (15 yards) and another to Charlie Anstett—before keeping it himself for a 10-yard score in the closing seconds of the half. Riverside carried a 47-0 lead into the locker room.

Third Quarter:

Montrose’s lone highlight came on a 4-yard run from Timothy David. But Riverside’s Barnett answered in style, taking an interception back 75 yards to the house.

Fourth Quarter:

The Vikings put the exclamation point on the night when Dion Ang hauled in a 10-yard touchdown pass from Carter Whetstone.

Standout Stats

Riverside:

QB Brayden Rose went 6-of-9 passing for 111 yards, 99 yards rushing and 5 total touchdowns (4 passing, 1 rushing).

Carmelo Barnett shined with a 50-yard touchdown reception, a rushing score, and a 75-yard pick-six.

Jared Jackson led receivers with 56 yards and a touchdown.

Montrose:

Timothy David provided the lone score with his 4-yard run in the third quarter.

What’s Next

Riverside gets a short break before traveling to Susquehanna next Saturday in Week 6, while Montrose will regroup and look to bounce back when they host Carbondale.

Archives

• 2025 (857)
• 2024 (136)