Jacksonville Fl- It was a blast from the past on University Blvd Friday night, when the name McClendon rang across the loud speaker on senior night. No, it wasn’t 1989 when running-back Willie McClendon ran all over opponents for 6,912 career yards of University Christian. Instead, this was a futuristic flick like the 1979 movie Mad Max played by actor Mel Gibson. The 2019 leading role being played by Willie’s son Max McClendon, who rushed for 397 yards and five touchdowns as University Christian won a shootout over Bishop Kenny 54-40.
McClendon had an amazing night rushing the ball. His first touchdown run of 66-yards gave his team the lead 7-6 in the first quarter. The tight game would have high emotions and tensions as both teams had identified important goals to play for.
His next score, a short touchdown run in the second quarter, was set up by a long 69-yard run. He would go on to have runs of 69-yards, 55-yards, and a 91-yards on the night. His performance earned his first offer from Jacksonville University after the game.
It took a strong effort by Mad Max, and the Christians as Bishop Kenny came to play in their final regular season game. Mike Hefner got on the board first for the Crusaders giving them an early 6-0 lead in the first quarter.
Next, Bradley Miller would score for the Crusaders, as Bishop Kenny’s offense lit up the field leading UC 13-7. It was a joint effort at quarterback for Kenny as George Farmhand, and Miller hit tight end John Godwin in the game for scores. Andrew Tabor was also a recipient of a score by Farmahand. Kenny held a 33-26 lead going into halftime.
University Christian would get big efforts from other players to pull away from Kenny in the game. Orel Gray scored a touchdown for UC to give them a lead going into halftime. An interception by Marcus Smithey was a big play in the game as well. And Jamari Fudge secured two intrceptions in the game to lead the way for the Christians. McClendon would do the rest scoring three of his five touchdowns in the second half to lead the Christians to victory.
University Christian secured a first round bye in the Class 2A FHSAA Playoffs and will await the winner of North Florida Christian and Famu High.
Featured image courtesy of Julie Catledge Stoshak
