Meiji vs Rikku: Spring Open Revenge Match
- TOKYO – Meiji University defeated Rikkyo University in a spring exhibition game, overcoming an early deficit to secure a 24-17 victory.
- Rikkyo University started strong, scoring a field goal (FG) in the first quarter to take the lead.
- With 1 minute and 25 seconds remaining in the first quarter, Rikkyo's early field goal put them ahead.Meiji quickly countered in the second quarter when quarterback (QB) Keito...
Meiji University Edges Rikkyo in Spring Scrimmage
Table of Contents
TOKYO – Meiji University defeated Rikkyo University in a spring exhibition game, overcoming an early deficit to secure a 24-17 victory. The game, part of the spring opening series, saw Meiji rally after Rikkyo took an initial lead.
Game highlights
Rikkyo University started strong, scoring a field goal (FG) in the first quarter to take the lead. However, Meiji responded in the second quarter with two touchdowns (TD), shifting the momentum. Meiji continued to score in the second half, ultimately holding off a late Rikkyo push.
Key Moments
With 1 minute and 25 seconds remaining in the first quarter, Rikkyo’s early field goal put them ahead.Meiji quickly countered in the second quarter when quarterback (QB) Keito Shinraku, #15, scrambled for a touchdown. Rikkyo answered with a TD of their own, keeping the score close. With 2 minutes and 38 seconds left in the half, Meiji running back (RB) Shuhei Takahashi, #21, returned a kick for a touchdown, giving Meiji a 14-10 lead going into halftime.
In the third quarter,Rikkyo’s defense proved tough to penetrate. According to Shinraku, Meiji faced a “huge rush” from Rikkyo’s defensive line.With 4 minutes and 45 seconds left in the third, Meiji linebacker (LB) Tomoya Saoyama, #35, intercepted a pass, bringing the ball to Rikkyo’s 2-yard line. Meiji settled for a field goal by Yujiro Tamura with 3 minutes and 26 seconds remaining, extending their lead to 17-10.
Meiji widened the gap in the fourth quarter when Shinraku connected with wide receiver (WR) Kouki Igarashi,#19,for a 30-yard touchdown pass,making the score 24-10. Rikkyo managed a late touchdown with just over four minutes remaining, closing the score to 24-17, but Meiji held on for the win.
Looking Ahead
With the loss, Rikkyo’s Griffins now stand at 1-2 in the Spring Open Games.Their next game is scheduled for June 1st against Ho University.
Post-Game comments
Shinraku commented on his touchdown and touchdown pass,emphasizing the contributions of his teammates. “it’s not just my own TD,” he said. “There are blocks from the offensive line, pass protection, receivers who take the ball, and defense who bring the ball there, so I realized once again that I have to give it thankfulness and respect to everyone… However, I’m honestly happy that I was able to play well for myself, and I hope to be able to connect with the next step.”
Shinraku also highlighted the importance of Takahashi’s running ability to the team’s success. “I think the team’s strength this year is by far the most extraordinary thing about Takahashi Shuhei’s Rampley,” Shinraku stated. “I think the team’s life is how far Takahashi’s Rampley can deliver, both in terms of kicks and normal offence, so I hope they have high hopes for that.”
Meiji University vs. Rikkyo University Spring Scrimmage: Your Top Questions answered
Q: What was the outcome of the Meiji University vs. Rikkyo University spring scrimmage?
A: Meiji University emerged victorious, defeating Rikkyo University with a final score of 24-17. The game was part of the spring opening series. meiji rallied after Rikkyo took an early lead.
Q: How did Rikkyo University start the game?
A: Rikkyo University started the game strongly, scoring a field goal in the first quarter to take the lead.
Q: How did Meiji University respond to Rikkyo’s early lead?
A: Meiji responded in the second quarter by scoring two touchdowns, shifting the momentum in their favor.
Q: Can you summarize the key moments of the game?
A: Certainly. Some of the key moments include:
Rikkyo scored an early field goal with 1:25 remaining in the first quarter.
meiji’s quarterback, Keito Shinraku (#15), scored a touchdown in the second quarter.
Rikkyo answered with a touchdown of their own.
Meiji running back Shuhei Takahashi (#21) returned a kick for a touchdown in the second quarter, giving meiji a 14-10 lead going into halftime.
In the third quarter, Meiji linebacker Tomoya Saoyama (#35) intercepted a pass, leading to a field goal by Yujiro Tamura, extending Meiji’s lead to 17-10.
In the fourth quarter, Shinraku connected with Kouki Igarashi (#19) for a 30-yard touchdown pass, making the score 24-10.
Rikkyo scored a late touchdown, but Meiji held on for the win.
Q: What strategies did Meiji employ in the game?
A: according to the provided content, Meiji’s quarterback Keito Shinraku scrambled for a touchdown, and Meiji’s running back Shuhei Takahashi returned a kick for a touchdown.The offense leveraged Takahashi’s running ability throughout the game. The defense also proved critical, as a linebacker intercepted a pass, influencing the game’s flow.
Q: Who were some of the key players for Meiji University?
A: Key players mentioned in the article include:
Keito Shinraku (#15), Quarterback
Shuhei Takahashi (#21), Running Back
Tomoya Saoyama (#35), Linebacker
Kouki Igarashi(#19), Wide Receiver
Yujiro Tamura, kicker
Q: What are the implications of this loss for Rikkyo University?
A: With the loss, Rikkyo’s Griffins now have a record of 1-2 in the Spring Open Games.
Q: What is Rikkyo University’s next game?
A: Their next game is scheduled for June 1st against ho University.
Q: What did Meiji University’s quarterback, Keito Shinraku, say after the game?
A: Shinraku highlighted the contributions of his teammates, stating, “It’s not just my own TD… There are blocks from the offensive line, pass protection, receivers who take the ball, and defense who bring the ball there, so I realized once again that I have to give it thankfulness and respect to everyone… However,I’m honestly happy that I was able to play well for myself,and I hope to be able to connect with the next step.” He also emphasized the value of Takahashi’s running.
Q: What did Shinraku say about Shuhei takahashi’s performance?
A: Shinraku highlighted the importance of Takahashi’s running ability to the team’s success, stating, “I think the team’s strength this year is by far the most extraordinary thing about Takahashi Shuhei’s Rampley… I think the team’s life is how far Takahashi’s Rampley can deliver, both in terms of kicks and normal offence, so I hope they have high hopes for that.”
Q: Can we have an overview of the Spring Opening Games schedule?
A: Certainly. Here’s the schedule excerpt:
April 26 – July 6 (Amino Vital Field, etc.)
May 18: The Great Conflict (Amino Vital field)