Jacksonville Fl- Sweat poured off players, coaches and fans alike Friday night as all braved the scorching humidity to see two historic programs go at. For the first time in many of our life-times, University Christian and Raines High Schools faced each other on the gridiron in a regular season game.
This clash of titans played out as such on the field, befitting of two teams with a combined 12 state championships between them. University Christian a private school powerhouse last won a championship in 2016. While Raines, a public school powerhouse, last won consecutive titles in 2017 and 2018.
The game grinded out to a 7-6 Raines lead into the third quarter. Universty Christian got a big 80-yard scamper from Alan Woods to go up first. Woods would score twice in the contest.
However, Raines would respond with a touchdown by Ziyon Butler to take the lead. Butler took the pass from Ty’ren Randolph, made a complete 360 to shake a defender, then out-raced the defense 30-yards for an incredible touchdown.
The third quarter saw the Raines offensive line pound the smaller University Christian into submission. Led by 2022-2023 First Team Duval Sports Prime Time Player Solomon Thomas, the Vikings offensive line paved the way for the Raines runners.
The biggest beneficiary of this was Raines Mark Miller. The senior was touted as runningback to watch by Duval Sports in the Week 1 Power Rankings, and he did not dissappoint. He broke several tackles powering for his first touchdown off the right side. The score gave Raines a 13-6 lead in the 3rd quarter.
University Christian’s offense was stifled in the second half by the Vikings defense. Then after forcing a punt, the Raines special teams unit would contribute. Deep into the shaddow of their own end-zone, head coach Donovan Masline gave the ok for a fake punt. Jaylen Clark took the snap and raced around the right side for 52-yards for a first down.
The play would prove to be a major turning point, as the humidity ladened the Christian’s defense. The Raines offense would pile on more when Miller rumbled around the right side again for his second score of the quarter.
The defense would step up with a turnover this time, as Jason Farfan tipped a pass in the air and Chris McCloud would come down with the interception. Raines was in a serious groove in the quarter, and it woudl continue.
The Vikings would capitalize on the turnover with a methodical drive led by quarterback Ty’ren Randolph. He hit receivers for first downs, and kept the ball on zone-reads. He’d culminate the drive himself for the Vikings final touchdown. Randolph finished with a touchdown pass and touchdown run in the game, as the Vikings went on to win 27-12.
