The Skyridge football team defeated the nationally-ranked Hun School Raiders of Princeton, New Jersey, in a 31-24 victory on Saturday, Aug. 29, according to a report published August 31.
The matchup, held at West High School as part of the inaugural Panther Classic showcase, was delayed by weather and remained undecided until the final moments of play.
Skyridge junior quarterback Jagger Fountaine led the offense, completing 29-for-46 passes for 297 yards and three touchdowns, while adding a rushing touchdown. Fountaine also recorded one interception and 38 rushing yards.
After the Raiders opened the scoring with a field goal, Skyridge responded with a touchdown caught by junior receiver Steeler Wesley. Following a blocked punt by senior linebacker Rex Caswell and a recovery by Sa Tanuvasa, junior Evan Kopp added a field goal to give Skyridge a 10-3 halftime lead.
In the second half, Fountaine scored on an 18-yard run and a touchdown pass to junior receiver Koa Wallwork, extending the Skyridge lead to 24-3. However, the Raiders scored three touchdowns to tie the game at 24-all in the fourth quarter.
Skyridge secured the win following a sack by senior defensive back Crew Stevens and senior linebacker Sua Ripley. This allowed the offense to execute a drive that ended with Fountaine throwing a 10-yard touchdown pass to sophomore Malosi Shepard in the final seconds.
Skyridge head coach Justin Hemm noted that while the defense controlled much of the game, the offense needed to take better advantage of those opportunities. Hemm also stated that the team would review film to improve discipline.
Defensively, Skyridge was led by Trey Harper and Sua Ripley, who each recorded seven tackles. Ripley also contributed 2.5 sacks and two hurries. Other defensive contributors included Eli Mortensen and Drayson Afalava, who each tallied six tackles.
Offensively, junior running back Beckham Bennett rushed for 64 yards, while sophomore Ului Faletau added 45 yards. Senior wide receiver Omarion Sanders recorded eight catches for 113 yards.
With this victory, the Skyridge Falcons hold a 2-1 record. The team was scheduled to play Liberty High School of Henderson, Nevada, on Friday, Sept. 4.
