![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG_0120-300x228.jpeg\")
The Santa Fe Raiders fell to 4-1 after their clash against Jacksonville University Christians (5-1) last Friday. [Ryan Roddy]<\/p>\nALACHUA \u2014 The parking lot was filled and the visitor stands were packed, something not usually seen at a Santa Fe Raiders football game.<\/p>\n
But Friday was different five games into the Raiders season. Jacksonville University Christian brought the fan support, football dominance and even referee tumbles. Despite a valiant effort, Santa Fe fell short to lose their first game of the season 49-17.\u00a0<\/p>\n
On their first drive, the Raiders\u2019 run game had nowhere to go with the Christian defense breathing down their necks in forcing a quick three-and-out. This persisted for the game.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe started off slow and shot ourselves in the foot,\u201d said Raiders coach Earnest Graham, who saw his team outscore opponents 166-61 to build a 4-0 record.<\/p>\n
University Christian (5-1) got on the board first with a rushing touchdown from running back Donovan Moss.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After consecutive Santa Fe (4-1) punts, the Christians took advantage to tack on 14 more points for a 21-0 lead.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Santa Fe Raiders fell to 4-1 after their clash against Jacksonville University Christians (5-1) last Friday. [Ryan Roddy]<\/p>\n
Then, the Raiders\u2019 defense started to come alive by forcing multiple three-and-outs.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThey made the necessary adjustments and guys were flying around,\u201d Graham said. \u201cBut we have to do more and ask ourselves how can we be a more complete football team.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
University Christian, however, excelled in short, screen passes, to march deep down the field on various plays.\u00a0<\/p>\n
With just 2:07 left in the first half, University Christian\u2019s Trevon Burch found the end zone.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But hope was resurrected for the Raiders with 20 seconds left on the clock in the first half, junior wide receiver Dantre Little made a 38-yard reception and took it to the house.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe energy came from my team, and I gave it all I got,\u201d Little said.<\/p>\n
Santa Fe star running back Jasiah Powell said the switch in personnel was key in the score.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur wideback came in and he had great wraps,\u201d Powell said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
With 7:47 left in the third quarter, Powell scored a 7-yard touchdown to bring Santa Fe within 28-14.<\/p>\n
\nTouchdown Raiders!! #3 Jasiah Powell brings it home, score is 28 \u2013 14 for University Christian! It\u2019s a whole new ball game and things are getting intense! pic.twitter.com\/AlYRT4QlqE<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Coral uzgiden (@coraluzgiden) September 27, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
After a defensive stop, Santa Fe junior kicker Mayer Steen drilled a 36-yard field goal to give the Raiders 17 unanswered points to cut the deficit to 28-17.<\/p>\n
The game\u2019s intensity brought about a lot of \u201cextracurricular activities,\u201d as the game\u2019s announcer called it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe hold them accountable,\u201d Graham said about the player behavior. \u201cIt is a privilege to play on Friday nights. We make sure they are upholding the standards on and off the field.\u201d<\/p>\n
Just as the Raiders were mounting their comeback, the Christians regained control by scoring 21 unanswered points, two through the air and one on a 94-yard rushing touchdown, to settle the final margin.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to be able to throw the ball better. We\u2019ve rode Jasiah and Keimarion (Neal) for quite a while, so that\u2019s a phase that needs to be developed,\u201d Graham said. \u201cWe desperately need that to get going. But we have the talent and ability to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Santa Fe (1-0 Class 2A-District 5) faces the first of two consecutive district opponents, the visiting Newberry Panthers (2-3) at 7:30 p.m. Friday. The Raiders then play at Keystone Heights on Oct. 10. <\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Category: High School Sports<\/a>, Santa Fe High School<\/a> <\/p>\n