Jacksonville Fl- Impact Christian Academy and University Christian both entered the playoffs after roller coaster seasons. University Christian looked to turn their three game win streak into four. Meanwhile, Impact looked to get their sweet revenge on the Fighting Christians who defeated them earlier in the regular seaos0n. They hoped to knock them out of the playoffs.
The game started off with fireworks, Impact’s Eliyjah Caldwell-Hardy would take the opening kickoff and return it for a touchdown, an amazing start for the Lions. After a failed 2 point conversion, Impact would have a 6-0 lead.
However, this lead wouldn’t last long for the Lions. University Christian’s Harrison Miller would lead a great drive down the field, before connecting with receiver Jenoa Alford for a 25 yard touchdown. After a quick three and out by the Lions, the University Christian offense would go right back to work.
On 4th down, @Harrisonm2025 finds @JenoaAlford to take the lead in the first quarter
— Christian Schultz (@schultzmedia_) November 16, 2024
UC 7
Impact 6@DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/fFBOGy9e2H
Harrison Miller would connect with Jenoa Alford on a screen pass, who would then run down the field, through a defender, and in for his second touchdown of the first quarter. After a blocked extra point attempt, University Christian leads 13-6.
Impact’s offense continued to show no signs of life, letting the Fighting Christians take over once again. Harrison Miller would launch the ball deep this time, finding Amare Mack for the long touchdown, making it 20-6 as the first quarter comes to an end. The same trend would continue, as the Impact offense would give the ball right back to University Christian.
University Christian is 3/3 on offensive possessions in the first quarter. @Harrisonm2025 continues with the hot hand and find @AmareMack_ for a LONG touchdown.
— Christian Schultz (@schultzmedia_) November 16, 2024
UC 20
Impact 6@DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/qEHdx2FXLk
This time, they get it done on the ground, as Josh Bruton would take it in for a 35 yard rushing touchdown. The Impact Lions would not give up however. Before the half would come to a close, they would let their playmaker Eliyjah Caldwell-Hardy run in for a 30 yard touchdown. After a failed 2 point conversion, the score going into the half would be 27-12, in favor of University Christian.
Elijah Caldwell-Hardy with his second touchdown of the night to cut into the lead. 2 point conversion is no good.
— Christian Schultz (@schultzmedia_) November 16, 2024
UC 27
Impact 12 @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/FEtOZxHc1l
Late into the third quarter, Harrison Miller would once again connect with Jenoa Alford, who makes an outstanding toe tap touchdown to extend their lead, making it 33-12. The fourth quarter would lack much action, University Christian would continue to drain the clock, and Impact still struggling on offense and having several turnovers. The final score would be 33-12.
Dwayne Stuckey was the Fighting Christian’s starting senior quarterback going into the season. Early in the season, he suffered a broken collarbone and would miss majority of his senior season. Toward’s the end of the game, University Christian would allow him to come in and get a few snaps as they continued to run out the clock. Stuckey was applauded as he ran onto the field and parents were chanting his name. A very special moment for him and this program.
For Impact Christian, this was a tremendous step in the right direction for their program. Once only known as a basketball school, the football program made it to the playoffs for the first time in school history. They boasted a player in Tristan Kelly who had the most sacks in the state (27). Credit to head coach Jerrand Nesmith and his staff, as the future is bright for this up and coming program.
University Christian seems to be getting hot at the perfect time of the year, continuing their win streak into the post season. Their next playoff game will be against the Providence Stallions, who are coming off of a win versus Trinity Catholic. This will be a rematch for these teams, who previously met at Providence where University Christian got the victory. This time, the game will be played at University Christian for a highly anticipated rematch.
