The Interlachen Junior‑Senior High School Rams opened their spring football exhibition with a 23‑19 win over Jacksonville Westside, a result that underscored the team’s resilience.
Strategic Experimentation
Coach Erik Gibson, seeking to give younger players valuable snap time, began the contest by pulling his starting lineup, a decision that set the tone for a fluid, unpredictable game.
Westside answered early in the second half, stringing together three consecutive drives that put them ahead 19‑17, testing the Rams’ composure.
But the Rams’ veteran starters soon re‑entered the fray, and a crisp 40‑yard pass from quarterback Ben Aguayo to Garret Riddley sparked a swift response.
Lawrence Sharp capped the drive with a touchdown, flipping the lead to 23‑18 with just over five minutes remaining, a moment that shifted momentum.
The defense then sealed the victory when Riddley intercepted a pass in the end zone, preserving the narrow margin.
Earlier in the game, Riddley had already contributed a 35‑yard touchdown reception from Aguayo and a forced fumble that set up a 36‑yard field goal by Joel Magana.
The Rams also benefited from a 10‑yard scoring connection between D.J. McKinnon and Brody Stevens in the second quarter, illustrating the breadth of talent on display.
Beyond the scoreboard, Coach Gibson emphasized that the exercise was as much about building experience as it was about winning, a philosophy that bodes well for the upcoming fall season.