Johnson Ravon’s Three-Touchdown Performance Lifts Nojima Sagamihara Rise Past Fujifilm Ebina Minerva AFC, 24–17

KAWASAKI, Japan — October 18, 2026 — Nojima Sagamihara Rise secured a hard-fought 24–17 victory over Fujifilm Ebina Minerva AFC in Week 9 of the X League Premier 2026 autumn season at Fujitsu Stadium Kawasaki on Sunday.

In a closely contested matchup featuring determined defensive efforts and crucial special teams plays, wide receiver Johnson Ravon (#8) emerged as the difference-maker, accounting for three touchdowns and earning game MVP honors.

Ravon Makes an Immediate Impact

The game began with a dramatic special teams play as Sagamihara blocked an Ebina punt and returned it 42 yards for a touchdown. The play gave Rise an early 7–0 advantage and set the tone for a competitive afternoon.

Ebina responded with a nine-play, 59-yard touchdown drive, capped by a one-yard rushing score from quarterback Jameson Wong (#16). The successful extra point tied the game at 7–7 late in the first quarter.

Sagamihara regained control early in the second quarter when quarterback Kosuke Ohashi (#18) connected with Ravon on a 37-yard touchdown pass, putting Rise back in front.

Kicker Taiki Sato (#37) then added a 34-yard field goal, extending Sagamihara’s lead to 17–7 before halftime.

Ebina Keeps the Pressure On

Despite trailing by 10 points at the break, Ebina continued to challenge the Sagamihara defense.

The visitors narrowed the deficit to 17–10 in the third quarter when Kenshin Adachi (#13) converted a 25-yard field goal.

Ebina’s offense demonstrated its ability to move the football throughout the contest. Wong completed 17 of 26 passes for 158 yards and one touchdown, while running back Takumi Yamada (#26) contributed 58 rushing yards on 13 carries.

With the teams separated by just seven points entering the final quarter, the outcome remained uncertain.

A Crucial Fourth-Quarter Touchdown

Sagamihara produced one of the game’s defining possessions late in the contest, putting together a methodical 13-play, 88-yard touchdown drive that consumed eight minutes.

Ohashi finished the drive with an eight-yard scoring pass to Ravon, extending the lead to 24–10.

The touchdown proved decisive, providing Sagamihara with enough separation to withstand a late Ebina response.

Refusing to surrender, Ebina answered with a six-play, 70-yard touchdown drive. Wong connected with Jason Matthew Scharsch (#1) on a six-yard touchdown pass, reducing the deficit to 24–17.

However, Sagamihara protected its seven-point advantage through the closing moments to secure the victory.

MVP Ravon Highlights the Difference

Ravon finished with four receptions for 53 yards and two receiving touchdowns, while also being credited with a 42-yard touchdown return following a blocked punt.

His impact across multiple phases of the game earned him MVP recognition and highlighted the importance of special teams execution in a closely matched contest.

Ohashi completed 12 of 17 passes for 116 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Daisuke Kato (#29) led Sagamihara’s ground attack with 66 yards on eight carries.

The statistical comparison reflected just how competitive the matchup was. Ebina actually outgained Sagamihara in total offense, 239 yards to 237, with both teams recording 11 first downs.

Ultimately, Sagamihara’s ability to capitalize on a special teams opportunity and deliver touchdowns at critical moments proved to be the deciding factor.

A Victory Built on Execution

For Nojima Sagamihara Rise, the victory demonstrated the importance of complementary football, with offense, defense, and special teams each contributing to the final result.

For Fujifilm Ebina Minerva AFC, the narrow defeat came despite a determined performance and a competitive offensive showing throughout the afternoon.

In the end, Ravon’s three-touchdown contribution made the difference as Sagamihara emerged with a valuable 24–17 victory in the X League Premier 2026 season.