NEW PORT RICHEY – River Ridge (9-3) jumped on top of Clay 10-0 after the Royal Knights’ first two possessions then the Blue Devils scored 39 unanswered points using a strong ground game and big special teams plays. Clay won the Class 5A Region 2 title game, 39-17.
River Ridge’s senior Trevor Hawks had 278 total yards and two touchdown passes, senior Dylan Spaeth pulled in 5 catches for 85 yards and two touchdowns, and Sophomore DJ Mann had 4 catches for 81 yards. Spaeth also blocked two extra points.
Clay’s senior Colin Wilson was explosive in gaining 226 all-purpose yards with three touchdown runs, each more than 40 yards. Senior Jaylan Jenkins had 116 all-purpose yards including an 87-yard kickoff return touchdown. Sophomore Cedrick Brown and junior Tyler Lewis both added 1-yard touchdown runs.
Clay will host Ponte Vedra (12-0) next Friday.