Trinity Christian Academy- It was a valiant effort by the Christians of University Christian , but once again they fell short of defeating the reigning Class 3A State Champion. Trinity Christian defeated University Christian 31-23 on Friday night of Week #3 action in spectacular fashion. Not spectacular because of the closeness of the match up , but spectacular because of the plays they made on the field.
Live at Trinity! UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN VS TRINITY CHRISTIAN pic.twitter.com/CCWncy1cSg
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) September 9, 2016
Tied 0-0 mid-way through the first quarter, the human joy stick D.J Mathews broke the ice in spectacular fashion. He ran right attempting to sweep around the Christians left side but UC did an excellent job of walling off the edge. But instead of turning it up and getting modest 2 or 3 yard gain, Mathews reversed to the opposite side of the field. He out raced the entire University Christian defense to the left pylon to score the game’s first touchdown.
D.J Mathews is insane!! 60yard TD run with a Marcus Allen type reverse of field! Trinity on the board 5:39 1st 6-0 PAT blocked
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) September 9, 2016
Touchdown Trinity Christian #88 DJ Matthews pic.twitter.com/rpbfroljzz
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) September 9, 2016
University Christian came to play and they made plays of their own. Linebacker Leon Huey intercepted a Legend Brumbaugh pass and returned it 15 yards to the TCA 30 yard line. However UC could not capitalize on the opportunity as the Trinity Christian defense stuffed the running game and harassed Christian’s Quarterback Clayton Boyd. This was the theme for the Christian’s offense all night. They were able to gain yards in spurts between the 20’s. Otis Anderson made some nice runs and Boyd connected with his receivers at times to put them in scoring position. Yet they missed critical opportunities early in the game to actually make it a game.
University Christian squanders two potential TDs. A dropped endzone pass and a illegal shift.TRINITY -7 UC-3 pic.twitter.com/z0tQ7x7pQc
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) September 10, 2016
Boyd and Stubbs miss again in the endzone!! UC leaving tons of points on the field! 14-3 Trinity 2nd 4:01 pic.twitter.com/CR71CLq1qj
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) September 10, 2016
Where UC missed opportunity Trinity’s playmakers seized it. One of the nation’s most sought after prospects Shaun Wade showed why he is the best athlete on the field. On offense he took a pitch left but fumbled in the backfield. Without losing a stride he scooped up the pigskin and commenced to make UC look like they were ona vibrating football game. He weaved in and out the defense, changing direction from left to right and racing 67 yards for a jaw dropping touchdown.
Shaun Wade 67yd TD incredible!! he fumbled in the backfield, recovered it and weaved through the defense! 14-3 TCA pic.twitter.com/oXf014EzFA
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) September 10, 2016
Trinity was hitting on all phases including the kicking game. At the end of the first half Frankie Onate hit a 52 yard field goal to put Trinity up 17-3!
50yd Field Goal is good by Frankie Onate! 17-3! pic.twitter.com/HTAPE7wqIm
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) September 10, 2016
Frankie Onate with the 52 yd field goal pic.twitter.com/KEJIM1dP1O
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) September 10, 2016
In the second half Trinity put the game away another play by D.J Mathews. They got the ball to the electrifying star and he did the rest. 85 yards later he had his team up 24-3 in the 3rd quarter.
DJ Matthews 85yd catch and run for a td. Trinity up 24-3 2:53 3rd @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/z3Wy2DH5sx
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) September 10, 2016
University Christian would make a late rally with many of Trinity’s starters on the bench. Leon Huey truly had a game for them on defense. He forced two fumbles back to back resulting in Christian touchdowns.
Leon Huey back to back forced fumbles returned for TD. 50yds. Trinity 31-16 @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/4xDJ6HIiAd
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) September 10, 2016
D.J Stubbs would bring the game even closer after catching a 35 yard touchdown pass to bring it to 31-23, but Trinity’s defense would stave off any attempt of a miraculous comeback on the evening. Rasheed Martin put the game on ice with a long 40 yard run and a first down to run out the clock.
Stubbs 35yd TD pass Trinity 31-23 2:23 4th @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/PBsvNQYC1u
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) September 10, 2016
UC D holds but their offense fumbles. Martin 40yd run. Trinity looks to close out UC 31-23 .34 left @DuvalSports
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) September 10, 2016
Rasheed Martin! Smooth like butter but hard like Thunder! pic.twitter.com/xTWW3ij7Dj
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) September 10, 2016
Trinity has won two in a row and is on a roll they are now 2-1 on the season. University Christian suffers their first loss of the season.
