Jacksonville Fl- The 53rd version of the Northwest Classic was full of suspense all the way to the end. Trailing 24-19, Ribault had the ball fourth and goal from the 8-yard line when a pass intended for the Trojan receiver was interepted by defensive back Nicholas Kilpatrick and returned from his own Goal-line 100-yards for the back breaking touchdown. The Viking’s home crowd would celebrate in the waning seconds of the game, as Raines would run it back for a 30-19 win. Their 6th straight victory in the classic rivalry.
The first half of play was where most of the action took place, and Ribault kicked off the scoring. Quarterback Timothy Cole II tossed a touchdown pass to big wide receiver Kalvin Gilbert for the game’s first touchdown. Fitting that they would make a big play for the Trojans as the duo have been making plays all year.
Leading 7-0 in the second quarter, disaster struck for Raines when a pass was intercepted by linebacker Ande King of Ribault and retrurned for a score putting the Trojans up 13-0. King, was recenlty recognized as a Duval Sports mid-season defensive standout for Ribault, and he lived up to the distinction early on in his final Northwest Classic.
Yet Raines would rally in front of their home crowd. Runningback Mark Miller would make defender’s miss in route to a 47-yard touchdown catch-n-run. The play woke up the home crowd, and the Viking’s sideline as the Vikings closed the gap 13-7 in the second quarter.
Kilpatrick, who sealed the game first made a name for himself in the Northwest Classic on special teams. Mid-way through the second, he recovered a fumbled punt attempt by Ribault and raced down the field for a touchdown. The score would give Raines it’s first lead of the game.
But the lead wouldn’t last for long, as Ribault’s Timothy Cole II worked his magic again. Cole, who led Ribault’s middle school to a county championship last year, proved that the moment wasn’t to big for him as a varsity freshman in the biggest game of the year. He dropped back and avoided pressure to find Eddie Rolack for a 40-yard touchdown connection, as Ribault retook the lead 19-16.
With only :35 seconds remaining in the half, Roman Doles would show everyone why he is a special talent. Coming over from Terry Parker, and before that Riverside high school, Doles found a home at Raines this year. He’s led them in rushing and passing all year and he saved this moment to showcase his arm. Doles hit Jadarian Rollins for a 56-yard touchdown reception, ending the first half on a high to which Raines would never come down.
The Vikings and Coach Donovan Masline would go on to win the game 30-19. There were several standouts in this game, including Ribault’s Damontrio Glee who rushed for over 100-yards in the game. Jalen Armstead recovered a fumble, and Malik Jenkins blocked a punt for the Trojans.
For Raines, linebacker Jaylin Clark pressured the quarterback several times and recorded a sack. Also for Raines, Jayden Taylor grabbed an interception in the second half to stop a potential scoring drive for Ribault. However, no playmaker was more pivitol in this game, than was Nicholas Kilpatrick, who saved the day in this district 2M-1 classic.
Raines (5-1 ) and Ribault (3-4) both have bye’s next week. Although coach Ram has coached a resurgent Ribault team, the Trojans have fallen out of contention for a district title. Raines, sets up a big showdown with Jackson for a district tile on October 28th.
Images by One-Three Studios
