Ridge View’s Defense Comes Up Clutch in Win Over Sumter

The Region 4-5A showdown between Ridge View and Sumter delivered exactly what the matchup promised: two contenders, two distinct offensive identities and 11 touchdowns packed into a game that was decided on the final possession.

Ridge View ultimately made the one play it needed. The Blazers’ defense came up with a late stop and a forced fumble to secure a 40–35 victory and extend their winning streak to five games.

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Two styles, one frantic scoreboard

Sumter leaned on a dominant offensive line and a three-headed backfield. Reggie Shannon, No. 1, powered the Gamecocks with four touchdowns, while Jamarion Witherspoon, No. 29, supplied tough downhill runs and quarterback Franklin Richardson, No. 2, added another dimension with his legs.

Ridge View took a different route. Quarterback Derek Howard III, No. 3, stretched the field and created room for the Blazers’ skill players. Khristian Jackson, No. 4, scored twice, with Isiaiah Small, No. 1, and Kanye Reed, No. 8, helping keep the perimeter attack moving.

The result was a back-and-forth night in which neither offense could create lasting separation. Sumter’s power game kept answering Ridge View’s explosive plays, and Ridge View’s passing game repeatedly found ways to turn space into points.

Ridge View wins the last possession

Sumter’s defense finally bowed up with just over two minutes left, forcing a Ridge View punt and giving the Gamecocks one last chance. The pressure shifted to a Ridge View defense that had been searching for an answer all night.

With the clock tightening, Sumter turned to the air. That plan had been uneven earlier in the game, and the first snap of the drive made the situation worse: Ridge View’s Kyler Felder, No. 21, sacked Richardson on first down and put Sumter behind the chains.

On the next play, a short pass toward the field became a bang-bang collision. Sumter’s Joshua Pendergrass, No. 17, secured the ball and tried to turn upfield, but Ridge View’s Gregory Williams, No. 12, delivered the hit that jarred it loose. Khristian Jackson recovered for the Blazers, and the game’s decisive turnover belonged to Ridge View.

When the game narrowed to one possession, Ridge View’s defense found the answer Sumter had spent the night trying to avoid.

Ball security tells the story

Sumter finished with two turnovers, while Ridge View protected the football. In a game with 11 touchdowns and almost no margin for error, that difference mattered more than any single explosive play.

Ridge View now returns home to host Gray Collegiate Academy in another Region 4-5A showdown, carrying a five-game winning streak into the matchup. Sumter gets a chance to heal during its bye week before traveling to face Spring Valley.