Eastside– With just seconds remaining on the clock and trailing by four points, the Mathew Gilbert Panthers needed a touchdown to win the game and remain undefeated on the season. With the ball at the Ribault 30 yard line, Panther quarterback #7 Davion Brown broke a tackle in the pocket and rolled left firing a pass toward the end-zone. The pass was caught by receiver #22 Deiondre McDonald at the one yard line, but Ribault defensive back #6 Raquan Bacon tackled McDonald at the one yard line as time expired. Ribault would edge Gilbert with a 6-2 victory as the Colts remained undefeated on the season.
The game was a defensive struggle from the start as both teams attempted to establish the run. On Gilbert’s first drive, the Panthers were not able to get their patented running game going. That’s because Ribault’s defense was relentless. #1 Charles Irvin shut down the outside making tackles on the first drive.
#73 Zonta Evans shut down the middle forcing Gilbert to punt. However Ribault would muff the punt and Gilbert would recover. However even with a second crack at the drive Gilbert was unable to get anything going and Ribault would take over.
It was Ribault’s turn to try to institute a drive and they attempted to get #2 Kennvontae Sharrow rolling, however Gilbert’s defense stopped them cold in their tracks. #8 Brenden Dean stuffed the run from the insie The stalemate amongst two undefeated teams end the first quarter 0-0.
In the second quarter, Ribault began to gain momentum thanks to their stingy defense. #11 Christopher McCloud recovered a fumble setting up the Colt’s defense in good field position.
The Ribault offensive line began to create holes for their running-backs, and Irvin was the benefactor of those holes. Mid second quarter, Irvin burst a 15-yard touchdown run to score the first points of the game. Ribault would take a 6-0 lead going into halftime.
In the second half, defensive plays by both teams led the way. For Gilbert, a recovered on-sides kick to start the half gave them the ball in good field position. A great call by Head Coach and former Raines running-back Dejuan Green. However the team was plagued by several penalties to the frustration of Green, that prevented them from commencing a drive. Still, he conveyed instructions for his team to settle down and play to the end.
Ribault’s offense stalled in the second half as well. Running lanes were cut down and big plays were made by several defenders. #12 Omar Holcomb Jr intercepted a pass and almost returned it for the tying score, but was tackled.
Gilbert, attempted to get the ball in the hands of wide receiver #1 Jakyob Jones, but as deep pass that would’ve been a touchdown slipped off his finger tips.
In the fourth quarter with Ribault having the ball at their own 15-yard line with a 6-0 lead, Coach Lawrence and the Colts elected to take a safety leaving just 45 seconds on the clock. Ribault held a 6-2 lead heading into the final drive of the game where Gilbert would come up just inches short.
Ribault with the win, cemented themselves as North division champions and will try to win their second county title in three years when they enter the playoffs in three weeks. After dominating the North, Gilbert will fall short of a division title for the third straight year. They’ll try to rebound and finish their season on a high note with their next game.
