Richland Clinches Playoff Spot with 27-20 Win Over Naaman Forest

A shoulder injury had kept Jayshon Gibson out of the Richland lineup for two games. It took him about one carry to look like he'd never left.

The UCLA commit wasted no time making his presence felt against Naaman Forest, finding the end zone on a 10-yard run as part of a 179-yard night that helped the Royals build a 13-0 lead in the first half. For a Richland program with playoff aspirations, getting their featured back back was critical — and it showed.

Naaman Forest didn't fold. Julian Johnson turned a simple sweep into a 73-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 13-8 at halftime. The Rangers carried that momentum into the second half, with Johnson punching in another score on a 2-yard sweep to give Naaman Forest a 14-13 lead.

Richland responded. With the Royals up six in the fourth quarter, quarterback Brett Kates connected with Brady Blankenship on a 45-yard touchdown pass to put the game away. The final score, 27-20, did more than just end a close game — it clinched a playoff spot for Richland.