Vikings Dominate Old Forge 49-8: Scott-Holt Praises Team Morale and Playmakers

By: Liam H. MacBrien | SportzWire | October 21, 2025 | Photo courtesy Gabi Blasi

In one of the most storied rivalries in Northeastern PA, Riverside not only beat Old Forge, they sent a message to their old rivals. Under the Friday night lights, the Vikings exploded on both sides of the ball, cruising to a 49-8 victory.

Tone was set early on in the game when junior Jared Jackson ran in a punt return touchdown to establish the tone early.

“Felt great,” Jackson said. “First one of the year. Brayden great block, Melo great block, Tavian great block, felt great.”

That play broke the game wide open and fueled the first-half shutout that left Old Forge stunned. Jackson’s all-around performance on both sides of the ball electrified his team and contributed massively to their success.

After the first half, Riverside continued steamrolling on both offense and defense, even after pulling out the starters. The Vikings continued to score against Old Forge, never letting their rivals even grasp onto a comeback.

“We got some young guys some reps to prepare them for big games,” said 4-star line prospect Tavian Branch. “Rivalry game, got a big in. I’m feeling good.”

Sophomore lineman Eli Paroby even felt the history of the moment, stating, “I’ve been dreaming of this since Jr. Vikes Football. Feels great to finally get it done.”

Offensively, Junior QB Brayden Rose led the charge with a dominant performance. When asked about the young guys they put in, Rose stated, “Everybody getting playing time is always good.”

When the starters came out, junior backup QB Carter Whetstone stepped in and picked up where Rose left off. “Feels great,” Whetstone said, “I’ve been playing up there in a few blowouts, but it feels great getting out there and playing against them.”

Senior RB Ny-jai Scott-holt embraced the moment of beating Old Forge on home turf. “Feeling great right now. Home game win against a rival, classic game,” he said. “We have all the morale, a lot of playmakers.”

Junior two-way threat Carmelo Barnett kept it simple, “Great,” he said. “I knew we were gonna win,” he spoke confidently.

With the rivalry win secured, Riverside now shifts focus to a massive matchup against Lackawanna Trail, a game some are even calling “the regional championship before the regional championship.”

However, the Vikings weren’t shying away from the challenge.

“Practice hard, and execute the game plan,” Brayden Rose spoke on getting the team prepared for possibly the hardest matchup of the year yet.

Scott-holt added, “We’re going into next week 0-0. Whoever wins will be the better man.”

And even Jackson summed up the team’s mentality best post demolition of the Blue Devils.

“Just getting better 1% every day, that’s our motto.”

Photographer: Lorenzo Lello

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