Jacksonville FL – The Trojans took their defensive game to new heights Saturday afternoon as they faced the Miami Norland Vikings. Norland got off to an early start as Val Mayes (DB) returned a Ribault fumble to the three yard line to set up the game’s first score just minutes into the first quarter.
Ribault was stalled on offense early by the Miami Norland defense. A defense that features several D1 commits including LB Vosean Joseph (Florida), and LB Emmett Rice (Florida State ) They were able to get the ball back into their offenses hands who drove the ball into Ribault territory. But Safety Terry Stripling made an incredible one-handed interception for Ribault thwarting Norland’s attempt to go up two scores. Ribault could not capitalize early on offense due to turnovers and mistakes. QB Derias McGoogin tried to make a play on a scramble up the middle but fumbled deep in Ribault’s own territory. A botched snap by Ribault was also recovered by Norland leading to Quarterback Roderick Robinson connecting on a 10 yard touchdown to DeJarnis Paul. Robinson scored on a 6 yard bootleg giving Miami a 21-0 lead over Jacksonville.
Miami Norland coach "Uncle Luke" from 2Live Crew assesses the game @_MNVikings @duvalpreps bikes lead 7-0 2nd pic.twitter.com/5wg2r8XMkK
— DuvalSports (@DuvalSports) August 29, 2015
There was another half to be played and another level for Ribault to reach if they wanted to get back into the game, and they did. Ribault scored on a 70 yard touchdown run. Desean McNair raced untouched down the sideline for the score, however the two point conversion was unsuccessful. Ribault’s Jaalen Ford would intercept Robinson and return it 30 yards for a touchdown, but the two point try was unsuccessful again making the score 21-12.
Ribault driving to being 4th qtr. @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/3HXuWiNnMa
— Duval Preps (@duvalpreps) August 29, 2015
Ribault had one more opportunity to score but suffered a safety when the aforementioned Norland Linebackers stuffed Ribault’s ball carrier in the endzone. Robinson kneeled and the game was over.
Head Coach Flynn and his 2 qbs before the game vs Norlands @DuvalSports @fc5ec0747ecf4cb @RibaultTrojans pic.twitter.com/vq7ltsPc64
— DreamKingFilmz (@dreamkingfilmz) August 29, 2015
Although the Trojans lost the game there are several things Coach Flynn and company can take from the game. The defense yielded a shutout in the second half and shows incredible play making ability. The offense is wide open and sure to catch fire with more practice. The Trojans did not play a preseason contest due to the area storms last week. All signs point to the Trojans being very successful this year, which is what we predicted in our preseason power rankings . But in order to prove that they belong amognst the elite, they must take their game to another level.
More photos to be posted soon! Keep checking back with Duval Sports!
