By: Brylee Huff and Jacey Peters
Friday night lights at Bowlus Field shone brighter than ever as the London Red Raiders battled Cincinnati Archbishop McNicholas in a thrilling OHSAA playoff matchup. The contest had everything — big hits, clutch plays, and a dramatic finish that sent Raider fans home ecstatic.
McNicholas jumped out to a 7–3 lead after the first quarter, but not before kicker Eli Noble gave London an early boost. From the right hash, Noble drilled a 35-yard field goal, then followed it with a booming touchback kickoff to pin the Rockets deep. McNicholas responded with a long quarterback sneak for a 50-yard touchdown to take the lead.
London regained momentum in the second quarter. Behind a powerful ground attack, Kyler Russell plunged into the end zone for a rushing touchdown, giving the Red Raiders a 10–7 lead at halftime.
Both defenses tightened in the third quarter, forcing punts and turnovers as the tension mounted. But as the fourth quarter began, McNicholas struck again — this time on a double reverse flea-flicker that fooled the London secondary and put the Rockets ahead 14–10.
With time running out and the season on the line, London’s offense showed its resilience. Quarterback Blake Reay led a poised final drive, capped off by a clutch touchdown pass to Brody Neal with just 38 seconds remaining, putting London back on top 17–14.
But the drama wasn’t over yet. McNicholas managed one final drive, setting up for a potential game-tying field goal in the closing seconds. The Red Raider defense came through in the biggest moment of the season — blocking the kick and sealing the 17–14 victory as the home crowd erupted in celebration.
The win advances London to the second round of the OHSAA state playoffs, where they will host Jackson High School on Friday, November 14th.
It was a night of grit, heart, and determination — the kind of playoff magic that defines November football in London.