The Westside Patriots continued their unbeaten start to the 2025 season with a gritty 17-9 victory over the Academy of Richmond County Musketeers Friday night at James Alexander McRae Jr. Stadium in Augusta.
The Patriots struck first on a Shelton Freeman field goal in the opening quarter, only to see ARC respond with a William Mohney to knot the score at 3-3. Westside regained momentum late in the first half when quarterback Jaylen Stone (12) connected on a long touchdown pass to receiver Ja’Cori Cooper. Freeman converted the extra point to give the Patriots a 10-3 halftime advantage.
Richmond Academy fought back after the break, punching in a touchdown in the third quarter. But a missed extra point proved costly, leaving the Musketeers trailing 10-9. The score held deep into the fourth quarter as both defenses tightened.
Westside finally put the game away with a late touchdown, stretching the lead to 17-9 and sealing the win.
With the victory, the Patriots improve to 3-0 and will host Hephzibah next Friday. The Musketeers fell to 0-3 and will look to regroup at home against Howard.
Academy of Richmond County kicker William Mohney (44) kicks a field goal to tie the score 3-3 during a game against Westside at James Alexander McRae Jr Stadium in Augusta, Ga., on Friday, September 5, 2025. (photo by Rob Davis)Westside during a game against Academy of Richmond County at Westside Stadium in Augusta, Ga., on Friday, September 5, 2025. (photo by Rob Davis)Westside and Academy of Richmond County battle on the line of scrimmage during a game against Academy of Richmond County at James Alexander McRae Jr Stadium in Augusta, Ga., on Friday, September 5, 2025. (photo by Rob Davis)Academy of Richmond County lineman William Mackintosh (56) plays defense during a game against Westside at James Alexander McRae Jr Stadium in Augusta, Ga., on Friday, September 5, 2025. (photo by Rob Davis)Westside quarterback Jaylen Stone (12) runs for yardage during a game against Academy of Richmond County at James Alexander McRae Jr Stadium in Augusta, Ga., on Friday, September 5, 2025. (photo by Rob Davis)Academy of Richmond County quarterback Carson Hand (10) throws a pass during a game against Westside at James Alexander McRae Jr Stadium in Augusta, Ga., on Friday, September 5, 2025. (photo by Rob Davis)Academy of Richmond County running back Mykheal Smith (26) runs the ball during a game against Westside at James Alexander McRae Jr Stadium in Augusta, Ga., on Friday, September 5, 2025. (photo by Rob Davis)Westside wide receiver Ja’Cori Cooper (2) makes a first down catch during a game against Academy of Richmond County at James Alexander McRae Jr Stadium in Augusta, Ga., on Friday, September 5, 2025. (photo by Rob Davis)
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