Late punt return for a TD by SMU commit leads Richland to crazy win over Keller Central

Trailing by two points with less than a minute to play, senior wide receiver Rashee Rice fielded a punt and dashed 68 yards for a touchdown to propel Richland to a hard-fought 21-17 win over Keller Central Friday night in a weather-delayed 6A non-district game at Birdville Fine Arts and Athletics Complex.

Keller Central had taken the lead early in the final quarter when Devin Brock knocked home a 28-yard field goal.

The teams both had two touchdowns in the opening half with Richland owning a 15-14 advantage due to a two-point conversion by Kevin Garcia.

Game was over when: When Keller Central’s Gavyn White’s last pass missed its mark in the Richland endzone as the Chargers made a desperate attempt to regain the lead with only five seconds to play.

Play of the game: The electric punt return by Rice, a commit to SMU who has both power and speed and some nifty moves in the open field.

Offensive player of the game: Richland’s Brandon Johnson, who gained 186 yards on the ground with 27 carries.

Defensive player of the game: Keller Central’s William Vuong had the only interception of the game.

Unsung hero of the game: Richland quarterback Gavin Calopy, who passed for 158 yards with a 78-yard TD bomb to Brandon Johnson.

Moment of the game: The punt return when it seemed like Keller Central would prevail.

Stat of the Game: Richland won in spite of 17 penalties for 132 yards.

Big picture outlook: Both teams show promise with offensive weapons and hard-hitting defenses.

What’s next? Richland, now 1-1 for the season, travels to Rockwall Heath while Keller Central visits Little Elm.