Rickards Falls to Bishop Kenny

On October 3, the Rickards Raiders (2–5) hosted the Bishop Kenny Crusaders (2–2) in a non-conference matchup. Rickards, coming off a win last week after dropping four straight, looked to build a streak and reenergize their season. Bishop Kenny, meanwhile, entered the game aiming to continue their strong form after a dominant victory over the Parker Braves the week before.

To start the game, it looked as though Bishop Kenny might be in for a long night. The Crusaders were stopped on their first couple downs, unable to find rhythm on their opening drive. But that changed in an instant when tight end James Davis III broke free for a long catch-and-run touchdown, putting Bishop Kenny on the board first and setting the tone for what would become a dominant performance.

The defense followed with a quick stop, forcing Rickards to punt the ball away with just over eight minutes left in the first quarter. On the ensuing drive, quarterback Gavin Hawkins connected with Gunnar Rogers for a short touchdown pass after a series of big plays downfield, stretching the lead to 14-0. Rickards’ troubles deepened on the next kickoff, as they fumbled the return and handed Bishop Kenny excellent field position. Running back Caleb Mattison capitalized with a rushing touchdown, giving the Crusaders a commanding 21-0 lead midway through the first.

Rickards finally gave their home fans a reason to cheer when returner Davion Crumitie took the following kickoff all the way back for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 21-7. But Bishop Kenny answered almost immediately, as receiver Carter Harris broke loose for a deep touchdown reception late in the first quarter, extending the advantage to 28-7.

At the start of the second quarter, Deterrious Figgers gave Rickards a spark with strong yardage on a kick return, but the Raiders turned the ball over just minutes later. Bishop Kenny again made them pay, with James Davis III hauling in his second touchdown reception to make it 35-7. A poor punt then gave Bishop Kenny another short field, and Carter Harris scored his second touchdown of the night with five minutes left in the half. Moments later, running back Caleb Mattison added a short touchdown catch, sending the Crusaders into the break with a 48-7 halftime lead.

After a scoreless third quarter, Bishop Kenny struck again in the fourth when running back Jelani Dawkins ran in a touchdown, pushing the margin to 56-7. Rickards managed one last highlight as Davion Crumitie caught a touchdown pass with three minutes remaining, but the game ended with Bishop Kenny in full control. Final score: 56-14.

Notable performances for Bishop Kenny included TE James Davis III (Sr.) with two touchdown receptions, WR Carter Harris (Sr.) with two receiving touchdowns, and RB Caleb Mattison (Jr.) with two touchdowns.