Another first-ever for Ryken

Football team rallies back in fourth quarter vs. Bullis

Friday, Nov. 20, 2009

In a long lists of first-ever for the St. Mary's Ryken Knights football team and head coach Bob Harmon, another first-ever was added in its contest with Bullis on Friday night.

Down 23-10 entering the fourth quarter — and before 16-0 entering the second quarter— quarterback Chris Rixey led the Knights to the end zone twice in the final period to cap a 14-point quarter, and give Ryken its first come-from-behind in school history, a 24-23 victory.

"It was the first time in our young program's history that we had a come-from-behind win," Harmon added. "Coming back the way we did in the second half speaks to our kids and how hard they have worked."

Rixey got the first points of the final period on the board with a 53-yard touchdown run, and later in the quarter found tight end Devin Mackey for a 10-yard touchdown pass and catch to put the Knights up 24-23.

"Chris had a great game for us," Harmon said. "He is a phenomenal athlete."

With the win, Ryken ends its season at 4-6, continually showing signs of improvement throughout and building momentum heading into next season.

"We have a lot of juniors coming back," Harmon added. "[The Bullis game] was a great way to end, a great way to send the kids out. … Our first varsity year we were a ways away, and I feel that this year, we closed the gap."

As its on-campus football stadium is on schedule to be completed in June 2010, Ryken will prepare for another first, that being its first-ever official home game.

"With the new stadium, there is going to be some excitement and we are going to go into next year with some momentum," Harmon said.

jmccray@somdnews.com