Ribault HS- It took Sandalwood just :38 seconds into the game to go up on Ribault for good as the Saints downed the Trojans 21-8 to officially start their 2018 football regular seasons. It was an interception by Adam Burns on the first play of the game that set the tone for the Saints. After the turnover, Quarterback Jeff Sims hooked up with WR Taylin Nalls for a beautiful touchdown pass and catch to give Sandalwood a 6-0 lead. After the 2-point conversion, Sandalwood held an 8-0 lead.
Runningback Kyjaun Herndon strolled around the right side of the Trojan defense into the end zone for Sandalwood’s second score of the quarter. Herndon would score twice in the contest on minimal carries. In fact, it was Quarterback Jeff Sims who led Sandalwood in rushing in the game as he found open creases in the Ribault defense to exploit. The talented junior converted several first downs with his legs, keeping the chains moving for his team. If not for costly redzone penalties that plagued the Saints, Sandalwood might’ve scored alot more as two Jeff Sims touchdown passes to Taylin Nalls were nullified due to penalties.
Freshman QB Chris Calhoun(left) started his first game for the Ribault Trojans tonight. DE/WR Chris Johnson with multiple sacks and pressures tonight vs Sandalwood. pic.twitter.com/7ZkGJqoGBk
— Duval Sports ™️ (@DuvalSports) August 24, 2018
Ribault was also bitten by the penalty bug in the game as the Trojans waisted several redzone tries with penalties. In the second quarter Ribault had the ball on their own 7 yard line, however they were unable to turn the position into points as a fourth down pass was broken up by Jahlon Wilson. It was a fine defensive play that mirrored a fine defensive performance by the entire defense. The Saints secured four interceptions in the game.
Sophomore Martrnius Mack hauled in a 40yard TD pass from Chris Calhoun tonight for Ribault pic.twitter.com/V7KgRA9p1U
— Duval Sports ™️ (@DuvalSports) August 24, 2018
After Burns victimized freshman Quarterback Chris Calhoun on the first play of the game, Jahlon Wilson would follow suit in the 2nd quarter by picking off the embattled quarterback. In the 3rd, safety and University of Virginia commit Antonio Clary would intercept Calhoun, however Calhoun rebounded from those interceptions to toss a beautiful 30 yard touchdown pass to Martranius Mack in the fourth period to pull to within two scores 21-8.
After the Trojans forced Sandalwood to punt, Ribault would get the ball on their own 27 yard line. Yet the Saints defense would step up at the end, just as they had in the beginning of the game. After minimal gains on option plays, Triston Herndon and Kamari Stephens would sack Calhoun. Herndon’s second of the game. After a first down by Ribault, Phil Starks would make consecutive game ending plays, first sacking the Ribault signal caller on second down, then picking him off for his fourth interception on the very next play to virtually end the game.
Next week Sandalwood(1-0) takes on Fleming Island(0-0) at home, while Ribault(0-1) goes on the road to battle Trinity Christian (0-0).
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