Jacksonville FL- It’s been three years since University Christian walked off the field at Camping World Stadium in Orlando as Class 2A State Runners Up. In 2017, the Christians fell to Champagnat Catholic 24-7. In 2020, they’ll get their chance at revenge as UC defeated Foundation Academy Friday night to advance to the state championship.
The scoring began with sophomore quarterback Desirrio Riles hitting junior Jerome Manning for a touchdown on 4th down to give UC the 7-0 lead. Manning who also plays linebacker, finished with 14 tackles and 2.5 sacks in the state semifinal game.
Riles would get into the end zone again in the second quarter, this time on a short touchdown run to give UC a 14-0 advantage over Foundation. He then found Ja’Won Grey on another touchdown toss as UC built a 21-0 halftime lead.
In the second half, Foundation would finally get on the board when Tate Ewing tossed a 26 yard pass to Danny Stutsman for a touchdown. Stutsman is committed to Oklahoma. However it wasn’t enough as Riles scored his fourth touchdown of the game, tossing a pass
It was a turnover filled night for the Lions as they gave the ball away five times in the game. Joseph Carter recovered a fumble, and Jerome Manning forced another. Junior Khol Roswan a 6’4, 300 pound offensive lineman for UC, along with Gabe Mc Lamb simply mauled defenders in game. The result, a 28-14 victory for UC. It’s that type of effort from the entire team , that has this edition of the UC Christians eyeing gold around their necks in two weeks.
They now turn their attention to the championship game, to be held on December 16th at 1pm. Champagnat Catholic (10-2) defeated (8-5) Seffner Christian 56-14 in their state semifinal game Friday to advance. They’re led by senior quarterback Tyous Taylor who has passed for 1,921 touchdowns and 33 touchdowns. He has several targets in the passing game including WR (SR) Keshawn Brown (751yds, 11TDs), WR (JR) Benson Prosper and WR (SR) Malik Rutherford.
Senior Donovan Jones (Gardner Webb Commit) has rushed for 959 yards and 10 touchdowns. Darnell Georges leads the team with 43 tackles and 4 sacks. Antwan Gisme leads the team with 4 interceptions, and freshman Jabari Dukes has several d1 offers. The Champagnat Lions are the defending Class 2A champions.
University Christian Key Players:
#8 QB Desirrio Riles– Just a sophomore, Riles has racked up 993yds passing, 337yds rushing and 16 total TDS
#4 ATH Orel Gray– Another sophomore leading the Christians in rushing 980yds, 15TDs and total yards 1189. On defense he’s a shutdown DB as well.
#20 DB Peyton Pennland-, The sophomore leads the team with 3 interceptions.
#5 WR/ DB Ja’Won Grey – has 2 interception on the season and leads team in receiving yards 428 and Rec TDs 5
#2 ATH Joseph Carter (SR) – Captain of the team, Mr everything 270 yds rec, 2 TDs, 717yds rushing , 7 TDs, leading tackler with 68 tackles
#6 LB Jerome Manning (JR) – Tied for team lead in sacks (6) , second on team with 65 tackles, 15 tackles for loss.
#44 Kaydrick Robinson (Sophomore) tied for team lead in sacks (6)
