Riverdale's sense of urgency began too late, and it cost the Warriors a 27-20 defeat against Franklin at Tomahawk Stadium on Friday night.
The Warriors (1-1) fell behind 21-0 and 27-7 before putting on a frantic rally that ended with the Rebels (1-1) going into victory formation after they recovered an onside kick with two minutes remaining.
"You can't spot a great football team like that 21 points," said first-year Riverdale coach Will Kriesky. "Our kids fought for four quarters and gave us an opportunity in the last minute. They fought and that's what I'm proud of.