Northeast Fl- In a thrilling first-round SSAC State playoff clash, Christ’s Church Academy (CCA) with a 7-1 record faced off against the underdog Zarephath, who entered the game at 4-4. What followed was a heart-pounding battle that showcased the resilience of the supposed underdogs and left spectators in awe.
The opening quarter saw both teams struggling to find their offensive rhythm, resulting in a scoreless stalemate. Zarephath, seemingly the underdogs based on their record, sprang to life in the second quarter. James Williams, the catalyst for Zarephath, charged into the end zone, breaking the deadlock and giving his team an 8-0 lead, with a successful two-point conversion.
James Williams put Zarephath on the board first as well as making the 2 point conversion, score 8-0! @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/Q2QIJkBjxF
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) October 27, 2023
CCA, however, was not to be outdone. Patrick Setzer’s reverse run injected momentum into the team’s spirit. Zarephath’s defense, though, made a significant statement with a crucial stop on fourth and three. With just 1:21 left in the second quarter, CCA’s Grant Tedder caught a pivotal pass to level the score at 8-8.
Grant Tedder with the catch in the end zone to get CCA on the board! 2 point conversion also goo! 8-8, 1:21 left in 2nd quarter! @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/x0wmEl3pXP
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) October 27, 2023
Patrick Setzer continued to be a force, recovered a fumble and swung the momentum in CCA’s favor. Cornel Russell capitalized on this newfound energy, scoring swiftly and gave CCA the lead, 14-8, as halftime approached.
The third quarter began with another dramatic twist as Zarephath’s Terrell Brant evaded tackles to knot the score at 14-14. CCA, however, launched an impressive drive, with Kyree Wilson finding the end zone to regain the lead at 20-14.
Terrell Brant breaks loose score the first TD of the 2nd half! Zarephath ties the game after a failed 2 point conversion. Score 14-14 @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/608WxdITBU
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) October 28, 2023
Playoff football is renowned for bringing out a team’s tenacity, and Zarephath proved their mettle as James Williams raced into the end zone for his second touchdown. A seemingly unconventional two-point conversion attempt turned into points for Zarephath, pushing them ahead 22-20.
Zarephath James Williams ties the game again! @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/AyS6HHA6jV
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) October 28, 2023
With 9:32 left in the fourth quarter, CCA lost sight of the ball during kickoff and resulted in a recovery by Zarephath. Zarephath’s staunch defense set the stage for their offense, with Joshua Jones stretching into the end zone to extend their lead to 30-20.
Joshua Jones adds to Zarephath lead with the 2point conversion also good! Score 30-20 8:24 left in the 4th @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/hvPKQWEodd
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) October 28, 2023
Not to be outdone, CCA’s Kyree Wilson, who had been a standout throughout the game, recorded his second touchdown, bringing his team within four points at 30-26. With just six minutes remaining, Wilson further showcased his versatility with a fumble recovery.
Kyree Wilson brings his team within 4 after a big run from him on the previous play! Zarephath still leads 30-26 with 6:26 left to play! @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/KaMxmM3b1n
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) October 28, 2023
As the clock wound down, CCA mounted a final drive, but it fell short, with Zarephath’s game-sealing stop on fourth down secured their status as the underdog victors. The underdogs had prevailed, and Zarephath advanced to the second round of the playoffs, where they are set to take on Master’s Academy.
Coach Iovry thoughts after his team continues on to show what all they got going into the 2nd round of playoffs @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/VI6qHgrLoq
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) October 28, 2023
The final score, 30-26, was a testament to the resilience and determination displayed by both teams, making this playoff clash a memorable chapter in the football season. Zarephath (5-4) is the #3 seed in the bracket and will face #1 Master’s Academy (7-2) in the SSAC State playoff bracket. Zarephath won the FIHSAA State championship in 2022.
