NORTHSIDE – What’s wrong with the offense ? Why are they struggling so much ? Was some of the questions fans had regarding the potent Ribault offense so far this season.
That offense is finally clicking now on all cylinders it seems. After averaging 11 points a game the first three games, the Trojans have responded with 37 and now 46 points in back-to-back wins.
If last’s night game was any indication, they may have turned the page finally. As it was a blowout affair as the Trojans showed off their size and speed in a lopsided 46-0 win over the Paxon Eagles in a key District 3-5A showdown.
There were a couple of bright spots for the Eagles as Elijah Shingles ran hard and with a purpose. The coaching staff was finding a way to get him the ball in space and allowed him to power through for yardage.
It wasn’t enough, as the Ribault coaching staff figured out that the quarterback was just not able to make the right throws over the top. The Ribault defense stacked the box and forced a number of three and outs for the Eagles offense.
The thing that really hurt, was the field position for the Eagles defense. Ribault starting possessions averaged near midfield every drive.
Jhamaal Marsh connected with tight end Chris Johnson for the first score of the game on the Trojans opening possession for a 7-0 lead with 9:42 left in the first quarter.
Javon Williams burst through the middle for another score going untouched for a 14-0 lead with 6:18 left in the quarter.
Marsh showed off his footwork with a touchdown run to start the second quarter for a 21-0 lead barely a minute into the quarter.
Wide receiver Kenneth Channelle may have surprised the Eagles taking a hand off from Marsh for a 33 yard touchdown run and 28-0 lead with under 8 minutes left till halftime.
Another touchdown run by Williams led to a 34-0 midway through the second quarter, while Mike McCray hauled in a pass from Marsh to give the Trojans a 40-0 halftime lead.
Halftime! Take a look at the physicality of this game! @DuvalSports
Eagles 0
Trojans 40 pic.twitter.com/n4GXNPUZja— BJ Jones (@4everjones90) September 30, 2017
Anthony Green picked off Eagles quarterback Jeremiah Baclig and returned it all the way for a touchdown and a 46-0 lead with 7:46 left in the third.
The Trojans defense played lights out in its entirety and proved to be extremely physical on both sides of the ball especially when Trevoughn Copeland laid out the Eagles runner on an ensuing play.
Ribault (3-2, 1-0) host Lee next Friday in a Gateway Conference showdown, while Paxon (2-3, 0-2) plays Fernandina Beach.
