By: Ross Van De Griek
The Jacksonville/Duval County game of the week, will feature the Maclay Marauders (9-2) & the University Christian Christians (10-1) on Friday night, in the Class 2A-1 Regional Final. University Christian looks to get back to the state semifinals for the first time since 2017, where they would eventually finish as the class 2A Runner-up. This is a rematch from last year's regional semifinal, where University Christian would win 48-20. However, Maclay is seeking their first ever trip to the state semifinals in football.
How did Maclay get here? Maclay defeated St. Joseph Academy, 38-2 in last week's regional semifinals, after receiving a first round bye. Maclay likes to rely on the passing game, as senior quarterback Brecht Heuchan has thrown for 2497 passing yards, 29 touchdown passes & has thrown six interceptions this season. Another name to keep an eye on for Maclay, will be freshman running back Rhyder Poppell II who is leading the team, with 671 rushing yards on 64 carries (10.5 yards/carry) & has rushed for 13 touchdowns this season. Expect senior wide receiver Robert Parker-Crawford & junior wide receiver Kennan Milford to have big games for the Marauders tomorrow night. Senior linebacker AJ Miller leads the Marauder defense with 110 total tackles on the season.
How did University Christian get here? University Christian defeated North Florida Christian, 36-6 in last week's regional semifinals, after they also received a first round bye. The Christians' are a run-heavy team, after last week they only attempted one pass play, compared to 37 run plays. University Christian outgained North Florida Christian, 409-337, despite allowing just six points. Senior running back Max McClendon will be a name to keep an eye on for the host Christians' as he has rushed for 1476 yards & has 20 rushing touchdowns on the season. Sophomore wide receiver Ja'won Grey leads the team in receiving yards, with just 233 & has two receiving touchdowns this season. A couple of names to keep an eye on defensively for University Christian, will be senior linebacker Jackie Dinh & junior linebacker Joseph Carter as they have combined for a total of 130 tackles this season. Sophomore defensive end Jerome Manning leads the team with five sacks this season.
Who will the winner face? The winner of tomorrow's Foundation Academy-Victory Christian football game in next Friday's state semifinal.
Score Prediction: University Christian 31, Maclay 21
Joe Pinko's Florida HS Football Projection: University Christian wins by 21