Through the roars of Citizens Field, you could hear fans say \u2026<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the best game I\u2019ve seen in 10 years.\u201d<\/p>\n
That\u2019s the result of the Eastside Rams fighting back from down by double digits against the Rickards Raiders on Thursday night to win 28-25 and improve to 2-0 on the year.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sophomore halfback Javaris Gardner had an electric outing, including a 42-yard rushing touchdown, to seal the game for the Rams. He scored two touchdowns to help the Rams overcome a 19-0 third-quarter deficit and gain redemption after last year\u2019s 30-23 loss to the Raiders (1-1) in Tallahassee.<\/p>\n
The first half was one to forget for Eastside. After going three-and-out on its first drive, Rickards\u2019 Davion Crumitie returned a punt for a touchdown for a 7-0 lead.<\/p>\n
The struggles did not end there for the Rams. After another drive ended with no points, junior quarterback Jordan Kelley drove Rickards for another score and a 13-0 lead after the first quarter.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The second half also started all Rickards, which took a three-score lead on a 72-yard scoring run by senior running back Karlise Price.<\/p>\n
Eastside then began the comeback behind the running of Gardner and Kamariyon Mack. Gardner\u2019s first TD made it 19-7 with four minutes remaining in the third quarter.<\/p>\n
The turning point of the game came thanks to the Rams\u2019 special teams, which forced a fumble on the ensuing kick off that Braden Brockington returned for a touchdown to cut the deficit to 19-14. The Rams faithful were back into this game.\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\nFrom Eastside vs Rickards (8\/28):<\/p>\n
Javaris Gardner punches it in for 6 \u27a1\ufe0f<\/p>\n
Very next play\u2026 scoop and score on the kickoff. Braeden Brockington gets the crowd back into the game. pic.twitter.com\/llW6sW95rd<\/a><\/p>\n
— Matt Montalto (@matt_m0nt) September 2, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n