Northside- Defense, Defense, Defense. That’s the name of the game for the Ribault Trojans and their victories this season. Ribault would earn their second win of the season, thanks to a strong defensive effort that saw the Trojans return two interceptions for touchdowns defeating the Lee Generals 34-30.
Both crucial turnovers came in the fourth quarter. The first occurred with just under 10-minutes to go in the game when Ribault defensive back Cedric Woodson stepped intercepted a pass and returned it for a 40-yard touchdown.
The second occurred on the ensuing drive as Lee trailed Ribault 28-22. This time it was linebacker Chris Johnson who intercepted the pass and returned it 35 yards for the touchdown. In less than a 2 minute span, Ribault had taken a 34-22 lead over Lee with just over 7-minutes remaining in the game.
Lee would make a furious rally to try to get back into the game when running-back Kevonte Doles would score a touchdown from one yard out to close the gap to 34-30 with a successful two point conversion. Next came the on-sides kick with just 2-minutes remaining in the game. Amazingly, the Generals would recover the ball setting up an opportunity for Lee to win the game. Yet a big sack by defensive tackle Chris Sharpe Jr and an incomplete pass by Lee ended the game.
As defensive back Travis Laster broke up the pass ending the game, Ribault erupted in celebration as they took home a crucial win before their classic showdown with Raines this week. If Ribault is to continue their winning ways they can take a lot from their win against Lee.
The Trojans held the Generals scoreless in the first quarter, however the problem was Ribault failed to score on offense as well. Finally in the second, the Trojans defense would help out in the scoring effort. Eugene Vickers would recover a strip sack in the end-zone to give Ribault a 7-0 lead in the second quarter.
Lee would respond to the score as quarterback Cale Zarah hit Cobie Bates for a 20 yard touchdown. Bates would also score a 2 point conversion to give Lee an 8-7 lead.
Ribault would respond when quarterback Santana Jackson hit Chris Johnson who raced 60 yards for the touchdown to take a 14-8 lead. The touchdown would end the half as Ribault led in the contest.
In the second half, Lee would tie the game at 14 all with a Zaire Lee touchdown run around the end. The game’s electric atmosphere could be seen in the player’s performance as the game started to pick up. Next, Ribault would respond when Jackson tossed hsi second touchdown of the game. This time to wide-receiver Freddie Manning Jr who scored a touchdown. Ribault led 21-14 late in the 3rd quarter.
In the fourth, Lee would regain the lead when Cale Zarah hit Cobie Bates for a 21 yard catch and run for the 20-yard touchdown. Lee led 21-20 in the fourth before suffering the deciding defensive touchdowns by Ribault to put the game away.
For Ribault( 2-3), it was an impressive win against a top opponent after a disappointing loss to Yulee the week before. It’s the type of win needed for a team that’s learning its identity. All signs point to that identity being a defensive team, which works in their favor against their next opponent Raines (4-2). Lee (4-2) will look to turn it around this week as they begin their district play with a showdown with powerhouse Columbia (5-0).
Images by Maefred Grier-Haynes
