Ribault HS- It wasn’t pretty, although playing good defense hardly is. But for Mandarin’s head coach Bobby Ramsey it was a work of art that he’ll gladly take. The Mustangs start the season 2-0 after defeating Ribault 32-13 in week 2 action. The game was a back and forth interception fest, as both team’s quarterbacks struggled, and the defenses took advantage.
After Mandarin got on the board first with a field goal to take a 3-0 lead in the game, the defenses would take over. Both teams struggled to move the ball in the first quarter, making for a penalty filled sluggish start. In the second quarter, Ribault was able to get a jump start from their defense when defensive back Keonte Jenkins intercepted Mandarin’s Carson Beck and returned it to the house for six. Ribault led Mandarin 6-3 with 11:40 to play in the second quarter.
It didn’t take Mandarin long to respond to Ribault, and ironically it was a former Trojan who did so. Mustang running-back Martranius Mack would break a long run to get the Mustangs to the Trojan 10 yard line. Mack would then finish the drive, scoring on a 10-yard carry as Mandarin retook the lead 10-6.
Next it was Carson Beck’s turn. The Georgia commit found his Tight End
Alex Schwenke in the corner of the end-zone for a touchdown in the second quarter. Mandarin increased their lead to 17-6.
As Ribault drove deep into Mustang territory, the Mustangs defense would make a statement on the game. Defensive back Uriel Richardson would step in front of a pass and take it 101 yards for an interception return for a touchdown making it 24-6 still in the second quarter..
The defenses weren’t finished yet however, as Mustang linebacker Carmelo Murphy (Duval Sports Top 50 athlete) intercepted Ribault just seconds before the half’s end. However Cedric Woodson of Ribault would return the favor intercepting Mandarin in the endzone .Incredibly the second quarter saw a combined four interceptions by both teams as Mandarin led 24-6 at halftime.
The second half saw the orange crush defense of Mandarin take the game over. Richardson, who had victimized Ribault earlier in the game, closed the game out with another pick six.
Richardson’s interception put a signature on the night as he and the Mandarin defense sculpted a picturesque performance. The three interceptions can be attributed in part to a relentless pass rush led by Jerome Jolly (1 sack), Travis Moss ( 1 sack) and Daniel Lockwood (1 sack).
Both teams have questions on offense to figure out, and none were answered this week. They’ll need to figure them out quickly as Ribault (0-2) faces Trinity Christian(1-1) and Mandarin takes on Deland(1-0). Both opponents possess three of the top defensive back recruits in the nation (Trinity’s Miles Brooks and Fred Davis and Deland’s Avantae Williams).
For Ribault, they have to stop the leaks in a sinking ship or else their season will continue to go down and in a hurry. As for defending 8A champion Mandarin, they’re undefeated and remain the team to beat in the city. They’re defense is leading the way right now, but its a safe assumption to believe that their offense with Mr Football Carson Beck is not far behind.
