Chiles Tops Rickards in Friday Night Football

On September 12th, the Chiles Timberwolves football team (3-1) aimed for redemption after falling to the Rickards Raiders (1-3) in their previous matchup at Gene Cox Stadium. The two teams last met during the 2024–2025 regular season non-conference game, which Rickards won 14-7. This year, with both teams retooled and new quarterbacks leading the way, fans were in for an exciting night of football. In what might turn out to be one of the longest games of the season, Chiles and Rickards went back and forth in a matchup full of big plays, momentum swings, and high-intensity action.

Rickards struck first on the scoreboard with a 25-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jordan Kelly (Jr.) to wide receiver Davion Crumitie (Jr.), taking a 7-0 lead with four minutes left in the first quarter. Chiles responded quickly with a touchdown of its own on a 3-yard run by Gerald Clark (Sr.). With 42 seconds remaining in the opening quarter, the Timberwolves came up with a crucial fumble recovery.

Chiles capitalized on the turnover early in the second quarter, as quarterback Gavin Ford (Sr.) connected with wide receiver Cade Frier (Sr.) for a touchdown to take a 14-7 lead. Following another defensive stop, the Timberwolves blocked a punt and started their drive on the Raiders’ 20-yard line. Chiles extended its advantage with another rushing score, this time by Jeremiah Cadet (Sr.), pushing the lead to 21-7.

With just over four minutes left in the half, Chiles forced its second turnover of the game with an interception deep in its own territory by Mario Peoples. The Timberwolves closed the half on a high note, as kicker Hagen Purdue (Jr.) drilled a 50-yard field goal to send Chiles into the break up 24-7.

After a scoreless third quarter, Chiles opened the fourth with a touchdown pass to J.D. Vincent, stretching the lead to 30-7. Rickards refused to back down, as Kelley led back-to-back drives showcasing both his throwing and running ability, closing the gap to 30-20. Chiles responded with a long, explosive run in the final minutes to go up 36-20, then sealed the victory with a walk-off interception in the last 35 seconds, capping an exciting Timberwolves win, 37-20.

Other Notable Leon County Football Scores: NFC lost a neutral game against Taylor County 42-0, Maclay won an away game against Valwood 35-34, Godby won an away game against Suwannee 36-31.