By: Ross Van De Griek
NEW PORT RICHEY- The River Ridge Royal Knights came into Friday night's game vs their cross-county rival, with something on their mind. River Ridge has not won against their city neighbors since 2015.
The game didn't start the way the host Knights wanted it too, as Mitchell forced River Ridge's Anthony Roussos to fumble on their opening drive. Mitchell senior running back Tyler Williams would capitalize off the miscue, and rush it 25 yards for the score & the Mustangs took a early 7-0 lead. The following River Ridge drive looked promising, as they started out with very good field position. But just a few plays later, River Ridge senior quarterback Travis Hawks threw an interception to Mitchell junior defensive back Khamari Smith. Later in the opening quarter, River Ridge's Anthony Roussos did find the end zone on a 4 yard run to tie the game at 7-7.
River Ridge head football coach Ryan Benjamin said, "We have to take care of the football on the opponents' side of the field." However the Knights defense responded with a 3 & out. River Ridge's Anthony Roussos later scored his second rushing touchdown of the night, that gave the Royal Knights their first lead of the game at 14-7. River Ridge however would get the ball back, after Mitchell fumbled on the kickoff return & would settle for a field goal by sophomore kicker Matthew Harkness. Turnovers continued to be a problem for the 1st half, as there were a combined 5 of them, three by Mitchell & two by River Ridge. Mitchell junior quarterback Ezra Brennan connected with junior wide receiver Ronnie Fiumara on a 45 yard touchdown pass, to make it a one score game. Moments later, Mitchell's Jonathan Nelson returned a fumble 25 yards to regain the Mustangs lead at 21-17, with just two minutes left before halftime. River Ridge sophomore kicker Matthew Harkness connected on a 39 yard field goal just as the first half ended, as Mitchell headed to the locker room with a 21-20 lead.
The scoring started off & fast for Mitchell, as junior quarterback Ezra Brennan connected with junior wide receiver Ronnie Fiumara on a 79 yard pass on just the second play of the second half, to give Mitchell a 28-20 lead. The Mustangs' defense was much better in the second half, as they forced River Ridge to punt on their opening possession of the second half. Mitchell ran a 11 play, 69 yard drive, that took a little over 5 minutes off the clock, as Tyler Williams found the end zone for the second time, this time on a 2 yard run, that gave the Mustangs a 35-20 lead. River Ridge's following drive stalled once again, as the Mitchell defense forced another punt. Mitchell took a 35-20 lead heading into the final quarter.
Penalties on both sides were the story of the final quarter, but that's what most high school football rivalry games consist of. "Most of our penalties were inexcusable & out of frustration in the 4th quarter", said River Ridge head coach Ryan Benjamin following the game. However, the Knights defense did not give up, as junior linebacker Connor Finer forced a fumble & recovered it. However, Mitchell's defense was too much as they stopped River Ridge from making it a one score game. Mitchell would put the game out of reach, on a 25 yard field goal by senior kicker Austin Buonanno. Mitchell would hold on & defeat their in-county rivals, for the 4th straight year by the final score of 38-20.
Mitchell (2-0, 0-0 in District 7A-9) will host Land O'Lakes (0-2, 0-0 in District 6A-6) next week.
River Ridge (1-1, 0-0 in District 5A-11) will travel to Tarpon Springs (0-1, 0-0 in District 5A-11) following a bye week on September 13
BOX SCORE 1 2 3 4 Total
Mitchell 7 14 14 3 38
River Ridge 7 13 0 0 20
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