Japan: Nojima Sagamihara climbs to fourth with hard-fought win over Fujifilm Ebina

The Nojima Sagamihara Rise (4–3–1) overcame the absence of starting quarterback Kurt Palandech to defeat the Fujifilm Ebina Minerva AFC (3–5) 24–17 at Fujitsu Stadium Kawasaki on Sunday, October 18, moving into fourth place in the Japanese X League Premier standings.

Making his second consecutive start, quarterback Kosuke Ohashi threw two touchdown passes to Ravon Johnson as the Rise secured their fourth victory of the season and improved to 13 standings points.

Special teams provide early spark

Nojima Sagamihara struck first after blocking a Fujifilm Ebina punt, capitalizing on the excellent field position to take an early 7–0 lead.

The Minerva fought back to tie the game, but Ohashi answered in the second quarter with a 37-yard touchdown pass to Johnson, a defensive back who contributed on offense.

The Rise added a field goal before halftime to establish a 17–7 advantage, giving their defense some breathing room.

Ohashi and Johnson deliver again

Fujifilm Ebina narrowed the deficit to seven points, keeping the pressure on the Rise heading into the final quarter.

However, Ohashi and Johnson combined for another crucial score, connecting on an eight-yard touchdown pass that restored Nojima Sagamihara’s two-touchdown cushion.

The Minerva responded with a late touchdown, but the Rise held firm to secure the seven-point victory.

Rise move up the standings

The result was particularly encouraging for Nojima Sagamihara, which managed to win without its regular starting quarterback for the second consecutive game.

Ohashi’s growing confidence and Johnson’s two touchdown receptions provided the difference in a closely contested matchup.

For Fujifilm Ebina, the defeat marked its fifth loss of the season despite another competitive effort.

The victory lifted Nojima Sagamihara into fourth place with 13 standings points, strengthening its position in the race for the Rice Bowl Tournament.