Roller Coaster in Renton

Roller Coaster in Renton
By Steven Dion

A sunny September evening at Renton Memorial Stadium hosted a gridiron shootout between two non-conference teams in Decatur and Renton. This contest was a tale of two halves until a late momentum swing decided the victor. The first quarter got off to a slow start as the only scoring threat was thwarted immediately as a 60-yard pass to Decatur’s Isaiah Diggs was fumbled at the 5 yard line. Indians linebacker DaSsaun Sauls ripped the ball loose before the Gator speedster was able to bust into the end zone. But, Decatur could only keep Diggs off the scoreboard for so long as he recorded two scores in the second frame. Both extra points were blocked by Renton special teams, so the Gators took a 12-0 lead into the locker room.

Decatur picked up where they left off in the second half by feeding Diggs until he slashed his way into the end zone for the third time. The shifty runner recorded 24 carries for 145 yards and 4 rushing touchdowns in addition to 8 receptions for 213 yards with a receiving score. He picked up loads of yards after contact and the game appeared to be over when the Gators took an 18-0 lead in the third. But after failing to convert on a fake punt, Renton got on the scoreboard from an Ernie Davis touchdown. Then another. Then another. Then another. That’s right, four unanswered scores by Davis to give Renton a 28-18 lead late in the fourth quarter. Somehow, Decatur put together a touchdown drive to put them within 4 after a failed 2-point conversion. On the ensuing kickoff with 1:33 remaining, Diggs recovered the onside kick for Decatur. The first Gator play from scrimmage was a touchdown pass from near midfield to Diggs which deflated the Indians. An interception on a last-chance drive by Renton sealed the deal and finally ended this see-saw ride. Despite the loss, Ernie Davis shined in this contest scoring four touchdowns and nearly willing his team to an improbable comeback.

Top Performers:
Decatur
Isaiah Diggs – 24 carries 145 yards, 8 receptions 213 yards, 5TD
Isaiah Hatch – 12/18 274 yards TD

Renton
Ernie Davis – 4TD