Northside- It took overtime to decide the game of the night in Northeast Florida. How fitting that the defensive contest would end dramatically with a defensive play. Tied 14-14 in overtime, Trinity’s Clayton Roeig connected on a field goal to give the Conquerors a 17-14 lead.
It was Raines turn to try to win the game with a touchdown or tie the game with a field goal, neither would occur thanks to Trinity linebacker Triston Herndon. As Raines dopped back to pass, Herndon batted the ball high into the air, and had the wherewithal to track the ball and intercept it to end the game. The walk off interception gave Trinity the 17-14 win, bragging rights in the city, and most importantly, a great chance of making the playoffs at 5-5.
The game started out just as it concluded with defense making plays and stuffing opportunities. The stalemate produced a scoreless first quarter. The second quarter saw Trinity strike first with a touchdown pass by JaCory Jordan to wide receiver Marcus Burke. Burke came down with the fade in the end-zone for the score, giving Trinity a 7-0 lead. Running back Kyjaun Herndon set up the score with nice runs on the drive.
The second quarter provided a spark for Raines as well. After their defense sacked Trinity and forced the punt, Raines would go to work with their ground game. The Vikings were able to move the ball effectively and it culminated in a 10 yard run by running back Nigel Smith just before halftime. The Vikings and Conquerors were tied going into halftime 7-7.
The third quarter saw more defense and more punishing plays by defenders. Trinity linebacker Caden Morell flashed across the field to make crushing tackles. He also registered a sack in the game.
His play would set up a touchdown run by the Trinity offense, courtesy of running-back Kyjaun Herndon. with 8:41 to play in the third.
Raines offense was forced to punt and Trinity had the chance to add to their lead, however the Raines defense had other plans. Senior safety Treyvon Hobbs would pick off Trinity on a deflection with a diving interception to keep Raines in the game.
Jarius Stewart would cash in the play by Hobbs as he scored Raines second touchdown of the game. Raines was back in the game and the crowd on hand braced themselves for a furious finish as the third quarter ended.
The fourth quarter saw both defenses step up in the wake of potential costly plays. Trinity fumbled on the first play of the fourth quarter and was recovered by Raines. Yet the Conqueror defense held tough. Raines would get the ball to the Trinity 15 yard line on fourth down but was stopped.
Trinity would advance to midfield setting up a 3rd and 5, yet Trinity would not be able to gain the first down needed to extend the drive. They were forced to punt back to Raines yet the Vikings offense could do nothing as well. The game would go to overtime, where Trinity would escape the graveyard still alive for a playoff birth.
Trinity ends their regular season and now must wait for the selection show to determine if they’ve done enough to be selected into the Class 3A playoffs. Before they’re game they sat 6th in region 1.
Raines (5-3) has already been guaranteed a playoff spot with their district win over Yulee. They have another big test against Bartram Trail next week. Another game that may decide who truly runs the city.
