The Rancocas Valley Regional High School Varsity football team’s first home game concluded in a 16-22 loss to Kingsway last Friday under the lights.

“We are excited to have a supporting crowd behind us and I hope the crowd can motivate the guys tonight,” said Coach Dan Haussman prior to the game. “The guys had a good week of practice and if we stick to our game plan we should be good.”

The stadium overlooking the fields were fuller than ever and the roaring crowd was more than excited for the first home game of the season. 

The start of the game was strong, and in the first quarter with 3:25 left, senior Payton May scored the first touchdown of the game. Following this, senior Joey Bryson made the field goal leaving the end of the first quarter 7-0. 

Things were looking good for the Red Devils heading into the second quarter, starting with senior safety Colin Davis’ interception. However, Kingsway did not leave the half scoreless, which left the score at halftime 7-6 with RV on top.

In the start of the third quarter, Kingsway made a field goal and put the Dragons in the lead. Luckily, senior running back Dean Watson punched in a rushing touchdown near the Dragon’s endzone and brought the score up to 13-7 with RV on top.

The optimism wouldn’t last for long. Things fell apart during the fourth and final quarter, first with a blocked punt and a 25-yard return for a touchdown, followed by a 43-yard rushing touchdown towards the very end of the game. RV managed an impressive 40-yard field goal, but it wasn’t enough to stop the powerful Dragon offense that showed up in the fourth quarter.

Part of the problem resides in a clearly weak offense, largely due to injuries. Kingsway was able to convert seven of their 14 3rd downs, while RV didn’t convert a single one.

The student section quieted down towards the end, and the loss has left a bitter taste in many students’ mouths. The Red Devils are 0-3 as they head into their game this Friday at home against St. Josephs.