Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
The Jefferson Davis Academy Raiders traveled out of state to play the Georgia School for Innovation & Classics (GSIC) Patriots on Friday, August 30 and came away with a spectacular come from behind victory, squeaking out a 28-26 win.
JDA found themselves down by 14 points at the end of the first half. The Raiders would never surrender and made a few minor adjustments, but were determined to have a better second half and they did just that. The Raiders dominated the second half, and did not allow their Georgia counterparts to score another point. Meanwhile, the motivated JDA squad got better and better as the game progressed. The offense scored two more touchdowns and added a couple of two-point conversions. The defense was on a mission and played with focus, not allowing the Patriots to cross the goal line the entire second half of the game. The JDA fans who made this trip were certainly glad they didn’t miss this one. They saw one of the best Raider comebacks in years, making that long ride home worth the drive.
JDA head coach Anthony Reitenour was asked about his team’s exciting come-from-behind victory and said, “To say this was quite the game would be an understatement. This Patriots team was a very fast, talented team who really jumped out on us. We had a hard time getting anything going and they were breaking off big play after big play. Colson Loadholt kept us in it with some big plays including a 70-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, but we entered the half down 26-12.”
Coach Reitenour continued saying, “We didn't really change the game plan up too much coming out in the second half with the exception of just playing harder and more physical, and the team did just that. We managed to hold GSIC to only about nine total yards the second half and we came back and won 28-26. The whole team really turned it on in the face of adversity and I'm really proud of them for the way they responded. Now we just have to come out and play that hard and physical for the entire four quarters. Landon Williams led the defense with nine tackles while Colson Loadholt added five tackles and had two interceptions. Reece Still had a big night in the secondary hauling in three interceptions! Colson led the way offensively with 132 yards on 18 carries with 2 touchdowns and two 2-point conversions.”
The second half defensive effort really made a huge difference in the outcome. Several big plays including tackles for loss and interceptions were significant, but more importantly, everyone on defense was involved. Thirteen different Raiders recorded tackles for JDA.
Offensively, Colson Loadholt was the big workhorse for the Raiders. Nasir Void added a rushing touchdown. With this road win, the Raiders extend their road winning streak to eight games. The Hephzibah, Georgia school’s home field advantage was no match for the Raiders’ “Never surrender!” spirit and determination.
JDA will travel to Conway this Friday, September 6 to face the Conway Christian Eagles who will enter the contest without a win. Come out and support the Raiders as they look to keep their road win streak intact.
Congratulations on an exciting win and GO RAIDERS!
