Bishop Kenny Blocks University Christian Comeback In Thriller, 21–20

Jacksonville Fl- Friday night in Jacksonville delivered one of the most dramatic games of the young season, as Bishop Kenny edged University Christian 21–20 in a hard-fought battle defined by big plays, clutch defensive stops, and a blocked kick that decided the outcome.

Bishop Kenny set the tone early with a grinding opening drive led by runningback Caleb Mattison, who capped the six-minute march with a bruising 2-yard touchdown run. The Crusaders’ defense followed with a statement of their own, as James Davis III notched a sack to force UC into a punt.

Moments later, quarterback Gavin Hawkins connected with Andrew McCoy, who slipped a defender and sprinted 58 yards to the house. Just like that, Bishop Kenny held a 14–0 lead after the first quarter.

University Christian battled back, but Bishop Kenny’s defense stiffened with a key goal-line stand in the second quarter. Still, UC quarterback Khalil Thompson found his rhythm just before halftime, buying time in the pocket and firing a 36-yard strike to Jacoby Walker. That score gave the Christians life, cutting the margin to 14–7 at the break.

UC’s ground game took over in the third quarter, as quarterback Ty Keister powered in from the 1-yard line to cap a methodical drive that tied the game at 14–14 with 6:27 left in the third. But Bishop Kenny answered immediately:

Hawkins hit Mattison out of the backfield, and the versatile junior did the rest, racing 63 yards down the sideline for his second touchdown of the night.

UC’s defense, led by Matthew Hammett and Zion Davis, kept pressuring Hawkins. Uriah Caguimbal made a big tackle to stop the BK offense. The Crusaders reclaimed the lead, 21–14, entering the fourth quarter.

The offense leaned on running back Donovan Moss, who eclipsed 100 yards on the ground. Moss eventually punched in a 1-yard touchdown late in the fourth, pulling the Christians within one point at 21–20. They initially lined up for a two-point conversion but a false start forced a change of plans.

The extra-point attempt to tie the game was blocked by Gunnar Rogers, who already had a sack and several key tackles on the night. The Crusaders’ sideline erupted as they held on for the dramatic win.

With the victory, Bishop Kenny improves to 1–0. They’ll hit the road next Friday to face Tocoi Creek (2-0) in a neighborhood rivalry. University Christian falls to 1–1 after last week’s win over Newberry and will look to bounce back against Andrew Jackson (2-0) in another tough matchup.

On a night of momentum swings, Bishop Kenny’s early punch and late resilience—along with Caleb Mattison’s two-touchdown effort—proved just enough to edge a determined University Christian squad.

About the author

Alijah Dyson is a photographer, videographer, intern-correspondent, and writer for Duval Sports. As a professional photographer/videographer and native of Jacksonville, Dyson has unique experiences covering sports.