Rivercrest’s 30-Point First Quarter Sets Up Conference-Opening Win

Published On: September 25, 2026Categories: High School, News

Rivercrest 43, Manila 15

MANILA — Rivercrest scored four touchdowns and a safety in the first quarter, built a 43–0 halftime lead and opened 3A-3 conference play with a 43–15 victory over Manila on Friday night.

The Colts improved to 3–1 overall and 1–0 in conference play. They produced 284 yards before halftime, with Jayden Ralph and Kayden Schwantz combining to complete six of eight passes for 146 yards and three touchdowns. T.J. Hayes caught two touchdown passes totaling 58 yards and intercepted a pass to set up another score.

Ralph connected with Hayes for the opening touchdown. Hayes then intercepted a pass near Rivercrest’s 40 and returned it into Manila territory. Lathan Bolden finished the ensuing possession with consecutive carries, reaching the 1 before scoring on the next snap. Larry Sanchez’s second extra point made it 14–0 with 6:03 remaining in the first quarter.

Rivercrest’s defense immediately created another scoring opportunity. Jake Gore and Dayvion Dixon combined on a third-down tackle for loss, and Luke Barnett, Jacen Cissell and Bolden helped stop a fourth-down quarterback keeper. Lexx Latham subsequently scored on a 21-yard run through the middle, extending the lead to 21–0.

Bolden added two points by tackling Manila’s punter in the end zone following a high snap. Rivercrest then turned the ensuing free kick into another touchdown when Ralph found Bryson Newson for a 40-yard scoring pass. Sanchez’s kick made it 30–0 with 1:03 left in the quarter. Ralph’s first-half passing line was 3 of 4 for 87 yards and two touchdowns.

Schwantz took over at quarterback in the second quarter and found Hayes between two defenders for a sliding touchdown catch. Sanchez converted his fifth extra point, increasing the advantage to 37–0 with 10:15 left before halftime.

Caleb Cissell recovered a loose ball following a punt return to preserve Rivercrest’s next possession at its own 34. Chance Facson supplied an 18-yard run to the Manila 4 during the drive, and Schwantz finished it with a 1-yard keeper. Schwantz completed three of four first-half passes for 59 yards and added the rushing touchdown.

Facson carried seven times for 54 yards before halftime. Latham added 54 yards on five attempts. Rivercrest also received a blocked punt from Sebashtion Grindle late in the half, while Keisean Watkins stopped an option pitch for a loss during an earlier defensive series.

Manila scored on its opening possession of the second half. Gabe Gonzales rolled right and connected with Weston Ezell for a touchdown on third-and-long. Brock Batchelor’s extra point made it 43–7.

Jamysen Deeds recovered a fourth-quarter fumble and returned it across midfield to give the Lions another opportunity. Ezell caught a pass through contact on the ensuing drive, and Gonzales finished with a touchdown run with 6:18 remaining. Gonzales then passed to Ezell for the two-point conversion, completing the scoring at 43–15.

Rivercrest used Tray Buchanan at quarterback in the second half, and Robert Lakes added first-down runs as the Colts finished the game with the running clock in effect.

Scoring Summary

First quarter

Rivercrest: T.J. Hayes touchdown reception from Jayden Ralph; Larry Sanchez kick. Rivercrest 7–0.
Rivercrest: Lathan Bolden 1-yard touchdown run; Sanchez kick. Rivercrest 14–0.
Rivercrest: Lexx Latham 21-yard touchdown run; Sanchez kick. Rivercrest 21–0.
Rivercrest: Safety when Bolden tackled the punter in the end zone following a high snap. Rivercrest 23–0.
Rivercrest: Bryson Newson 40-yard touchdown reception from Ralph; Sanchez kick. Rivercrest 30–0.

Second quarter

Rivercrest: Hayes touchdown reception from Kayden Schwantz; Sanchez kick. Rivercrest 37–0.
Rivercrest: Schwantz 1-yard touchdown run; kick no good. Rivercrest 43–0.

Third quarter

Manila: Weston Ezell touchdown reception from Gabe Gonzales; Brock Batchelor kick. Rivercrest 43–7.

Fourth quarter

Manila: Gonzales touchdown run; Gonzales pass to Ezell for two points. Rivercrest 43–15.

Players Who Stood Out

T.J. Hayes, Rivercrest: Two first-half catches for 58 yards and two touchdowns; an interception that set up Bolden’s touchdown.
Jayden Ralph, Rivercrest: Completed 3 of 4 first-half passes for 87 yards and two touchdowns, including the 40-yard scoring pass to Newson.
Kayden Schwantz, Rivercrest: Completed 3 of 4 first-half passes for 59 yards and a touchdown; scored on a 1-yard keeper.
Lathan Bolden, Rivercrest: Scored a 1-yard rushing touchdown, tackled the punter for a safety and helped stop a fourth-down quarterback keeper.
Lexx Latham, Rivercrest: Five first-half carries for 54 yards, including a 21-yard touchdown.
Gabe Gonzales, Manila: Threw a touchdown pass to Ezell, scored a fourth-quarter rushing touchdown and completed the two-point pass.
Weston Ezell, Manila: Caught a third-quarter touchdown pass and the fourth-quarter two-point conversion; also secured a catch through contact on Manila’s final scoring drive.