WESLEY CHAPEL — River Ridge notched its first win of the season, defeating Wiregrass Ranch 21-14 on Friday night.
In a game ultimately decided by the team that did not beat itself, the Royal Knights (1-2) were able to hang on by making a game-saving tackle as time expired.
“It was a hard-fought game by both sides. It was a great high school football game. It came down to a game-saving tackle in the last seconds of the game. There were a lot of ups and downs but we are very happy to come out of here with a win,” River Ridge coach Ryan Benjamin said.
The Bulls (2-1) got the ball late in the fourth quarter down seven points and on their own 30-yard line. After a couple of incomplete passes by Shane Bucenell, the Bulls needed to complete a 70-yard play to stay in the game with only seconds remaining.
The Royal Knights had all of their defensive backs far away within their own territory. Bucenell decided to make a run for it, evading several tacklers, and appeared on his way to the end zone.
Bucenell got within the River Ridge 5-yard line but was brought down by River Ridge defensive back Quenton Snead.
“We came in this week with new motivation and I was going to do whatever it takes to tackle him”, Snead said.