Rivercrest Holds Off Newport in 48–38 Shootout

Rivercrest 48, Newport 38

WILSON — Rivercrest seized a 27–6 halftime lead and answered Newport’s furious rally to win 48–38 in a Class 3A showdown Friday night. Quarterback Jayden Young powered the Colts early with three first‑half rushing touchdowns (9, 14 and 11 yards) before exiting with an injury, and backup Jayden Ralph steadied the offense in the third quarter as Rivercrest rebuilt a two‑score cushion.

Newport punched back behind senior running back Trevion Greer, who ripped two second‑half scores—including an 88‑yard burst—and consistently flipped field position with chunk plays. Senior quarterback Luke Reynolds added two rushing touchdowns (a first‑half sneak and a late 13‑yard scramble) and floated a jump‑pass to tight end Jesyn Russell, while receivers Dayrin Braxton and sophomore Tavarius Hardaway kept drives alive with contested grabs and a long return.

Rivercrest’s playmakers kept answering. Senior receiver/safety Buddah Harris turned the corner for a fourth‑quarter jet‑sweep touchdown and hauled in multiple key receptions that set up points; the Colts’ defense later returned a fumble for six to create separation at 48–30. Newport closed within 10 on Reynolds’ late keeper and a two‑point run by Greer, but the early hole and a couple of turnovers proved too much to overcome. Kicker Destin Jackson handled PATs for Newport when the Greyhounds kicked.

Both teams showcased speed and physicality in a game that lived up to its shootout billing: explosive runs, quick‑strike throws, and timely special‑teams swings on a cool Friday under the lights.

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter
Rivercrest – Jayden Young 9‑yd run (kick good), RIV 7–0.

2nd Quarter
Rivercrest – Jayden Young 14‑yd run (kick good), RIV 14–0.
Newport – Luke Reynolds 1‑yd run (Destin Jackson kick no good), RIV 14–6.
Rivercrest – Tekylun Sanders 3‑yd run (kick no good), RIV 20–6.
Rivercrest – Jayden Young 11‑yd run (kick good), RIV 27–6.

3rd Quarter
Newport – Trevion Greer run (Greer run), RIV 27–14.
Newport – Trevion Greer 88‑yd run (Luke Reynolds run), RIV 27–22.
Rivercrest – 10‑yd run (kick good), RIV 34–22.

4th Quarter
Rivercrest – Buddah Harris jet sweep (kick good), RIV 41–22.
Newport – Jesyn Russell 7‑yd pass from Reynolds (Greer run), RIV 41–30.
Rivercrest – Fumble return TD (kick good), RIV 48–30.
Newport – Reynolds 13‑yd run (Greer run), Final RIV 48–38.

Players who stood out

• Jayden Young, QB, Rivercrest — 3 rushing TDs.

• Buddah Harris, WR/FS, Rivercrest — Jet‑sweep TD, clutch receptions.

• Trevion Greer, RB/ATH, Newport — Two second‑half TDs, including an 88‑yarder.

• Luke Reynolds, QB/FS, Newport — Two TD runs and a TD pass.

• Jesyn Russell, TE/DE, Newport — Red‑zone TD grab on jump pass.