SOUTHSIDE-In what has become an annual game in the second round of the 2A playoffs, University Christian and North Florida Christian squared off again for a chance to advance to the Class 2A state semi-finals.
University Christian started off the game by being aggressive, going for it on fourth and 2 from their 48-yard line with 9:59 left to play in the first quarter. UC got the first down but was unable to score.
After trading punts, UC got the ball back on North Florida’s 37-yard line due to a shanked punt. UC also got a favorable call from the refs on a 20-yard pass to T.J. Ciresi where it seems his foot came down out of bounds.
The pass set up UC with great field position that resulted in a touchdown pass to Jalen Dunnigan to give UC a 6-0 lead after the failed PAT.
North Florida defense held tough till the end of the second quarter despite giving UC great field position the entire first half. UC took a 12-0 lead with 1:42 left in the half off a 21 yard touchdown run from Otis Anderson.
After a quick three and out which gave UC the ball back and it was all downhill from there. UC scored on a touchdown catch by DJ Stubbs with 35 seconds left in the and then recovered a fumble which led to a TD run by QB Clayton Boyd to give UC a 25-0 lead a halftime.
The Eagles received the ball to start the second half and went three out but on their second possession they finally got on the board off a 67 yard touchdown pass to make it 25-7 with 7:11 left in the third.
North Florida was driving again until an interception by James Traver of UC stalled the drive. UC made the most of the turnover by converting it into seven points off a 42 yard touchdown run by Otis Anderson to take a 32-7 lead with 6:56 left to play in the third quarter.
The fourth quarter mostly saw both teams trading punts until North Florida scored off a touchdown pass to Alton Hall to cut lead to 32-14 with 4:39 left to play and that is how the game ended.
University Christian (8-2) now has to go on the road to Lakeland to face Victory Christian Academy for an opportunity to head back to Orlando and play in the Class 2A state title game.
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