Marcus Benjamin @_BenjaminReport
Orlando, FL – The day belonged to the Eagles of North Florida Christian (Tallahassee). The improbable but possible run for Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah) came to an end Friday afternoon. The Lions lost their head coach, and several players to graduation/transfers so achieving back to back state championships seemed unlikely. NFC made sure the Lions run of consecutive 2A state champions was halted at Camping World Stadium. Senior quarterback JD Jerry scored two touchdowns including the eventual game-winner to give his school their first championship since 2011.
“It took seven years to get to this spot and everyone that’s been here in this seven years has put in work to get us here,” said Jerry.
This game got off to a fast start as senior defensive back TJ Ward caught a pass that bounced off of a Champagnat receiver’s hands and took it 35 yards for a touchdown for the NFC Eagles.
The Lions bounced back with a 10-play 42-yard scoring drive that ended with a Chris Vidal quarterback keeper from two yards out.
The kicking game was an issue for the Lions as they missed the extra point after the touchdown and after driving inside the ten missed a field goal from 24 yards out.
The Eagles would execute a nine play 43-yard scoring drive right before the half to extend the lead 14-6. JD Jerry would take it in from two yards for the touchdown.
“I told coach to run the play. The whole drive everybody did their job and that’s all I can ask for.”
In the second half, the Eagles lost their standout defensive back DeAngelo Mitchell to a collarbone injury.
“We lost a great, great player,” said Head Coach Steve Price. “We had guys step up and make plays for us.”
The Eagles limited the Lions to just 82 yards passing for the entire game. Special teams woes would continue for the Lions as a snap on a punt sailed over the punter’s head and Eagles to swarmed to the football as Deandre McCray recovered for a touchdown.
The score was 21-6 and the Lions needed a big play. They got one when Emile Bien Aime connected Sheldrick Ursay for a 49-yard pass play. Justin Payoute would then punch it in for a touchdown. The two-point conversion from Daryn Jones was converted and the lead was trimmed to seven with 4:15 left in the third quarter.
JD Jerry, who also plays baseball, the catalyst of the Eagle offense, executed another drive to that would prove to be vital. This time the two-sport QB that also plays baseball, ended a five play 85-yard drive with a 12-yard touchdown run. Jerry had 13 rushes for 68 yards and added 47 yards passing on ten attempts.
The defending champions did not go down easy as Daryn Jones added another score at the 10:12 mark in the fourth quarter (2-point conversion failed). On 4th and 6 with TJ Ward defended a pass that would seal the win for the Eagles.
“Fantastic effort from our guys, our defense has done this all year. When it comes to the last they come up with the plays,” said Coach Price.
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