Clay comes up short in bid for first state flag football title

BOCA RATON – Clay gave state power Tampa Robinson all they could handle and more before running out of gas in a 13-0 loss to the five time champions Saturday morning in the Class 1A state semifinals.

Making its second straight semifinals appearance, the veteran Blue Devils were a bit more prepared this time for Robinson.

Last year in their first ever state finals appearance, the Blue Devils were overwhelmed 24-0 in the semifinals

The returning girls made a pack to get back to Boca Raton and get another shot at Robinson.

A year later, the Blue Devils (14-1) were more prepared and ready for Robinson.

Robinson player Emily Kemp told the Tampa Bay Times, ” “We saw and heard them talking about our plays before the plays happened,” Kemp said. “So we had to make adjustments to that.”

After a scoreless first quarter, the Knights did adjust taking a 13-0 lead in the third quarter thanks to a pair of touchdowns passes from quarterback Macy McClintock.

Later in the day, Robinson (18-0) went on to win its fourth straight state title and fifth out of the last six years, with a 41-0 win over Fort Lauderdale Dillard in the Class 1A state championship game.

Quite a run its been for the Blue Devils, three consecutive district titles, three consecutive playoff berths and two consecutive trips to the state semifinals.

Its not over yet, though expect the Blue Devils to be back in the playoffs again and possibly getting a third shot at Robinson again.

Clay Blue Devils (14-1)

March 7 Oakleaf (1-0) 33-0

March 12 at Ridgeview * (2-0) (1-0) 19-0

March 13  Bradford * (3-0) (2-0) 66-0

March 26 at Westside * (4-0) (3-0) 26-0

March 28 Ed White * (5-0) (4-0) 34-7

April 2 Baldwin * (6-0) (5-0) 26-0

April 4 at Middleburg * (7-0) (6-0) 33-0

April 8 Florida Deaf * (8-0) (7-0) 41-8

April 10 at Orange Park * (9-0) (8-0) 34-0 0

April 15 Fleming Island (10-0) 9-0

April 23 District Semis (OP) (11-0) 32-12

April 25 District Final (Ridgeview) (12-0) 42-0

May 2 Terry Parker (First Round) (13-0) 33-0

May 6 Godby (Second Round) (14-0) 18-13

May 11 Robinson (State Semis) (14-1) 0-13  

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The #1 Youth & Prep Sports Website in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. Providing in-depth coverage of Youth, Middle School, and High School Sports in Duval and surrounding counties. Stories, Highlights, Photos, Scores, & More! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Like us on Facebook, and join our Facebook group (Duval Sports Game Time) to post your sports scores, pics and updates directly to our website! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Story Author: Corey Davis is a lead writer and contributor with DuvalSports.com. A 20 year sportswriter who has worked in print, radio and television, Corey combines hard facts with insightful stats to make for compelling stories for the sports community.