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23
Jul
2016

2016 Spring Football Recap: Matanzas vs University Christian

July 23, 2016
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DuvalSports.com will recap all the spring football games in Northeast Florida this summer! Check out this game recap below!

The defending Class 2A champion University Christian Christians began their 2016 campaign in a spring football contest against the Matanazas Pirates. Showers and thunderstorms loomed over many of the games this spring, but UC and Matanzas managed to get a good competitive game in between both ball clubs amidst the overcast. The game would reveal different things to each team. For Matanzas, how close is Head Coach Robert Ripley’s team to taking that next step to championship status. After an 8-2 season in 2015, the team is looking to go even higher in 2016. The loss of critical seniors is always tough, but Matanzas is hoping that last year was a stepping stone and not the mountain summit.

They showed early against UC that they had the talent to play with them. Their defense forced and recovered an early fumble, and made several stops against U.C One player that sttod out from the first snap of the ball game was defensive end #7 Nicholas Kubiet. Wow this kid can get after it. He is sure to be a leader on their defense this year. He ran down plays from the backside, stood up blockers on the strong side at the point of attack. It’s no wonder the coaches love this kid and what he showed this spring in practice. Anoher defensive players of note was MLB #24 Malik Mathews who read well from the inside position and flowed to the attack. He’s going to make alot of tackles this year for the team.

Matanzas showcased some talent on the field that should be noted on offense. Their starting Quarterback Mackenzy Wagner had a solid game and made several plays for his team. His ability to escape wit hhis legs and scamper down the field helped the Pirates convert lots of irst downs. His bootleg ability set up RB William Cowles to bust a long 52 yard run showcasing his athleticism. Cowles showed great vision in the game, and if the big guys up front can give him a little room, he proved he can take it the difference. The score would put the Pirates on the board, and up in the game 7-6.

It would be the only score of the game for the Pirates, but they held UC scoreless until 6 minute left into the 2nd quarter. And it was less than a touchdown game until the backups went to work in the fourth. It’s a testament to the toughness of the team. #77 Bailey Sattar will play tackler or guard anchoring the offensive line. You can tell he takes pride in paving the way for the running backs. WR Phillip Moultrie will be one of the prime targets for Mackenzy. At 6’2 he cant be hide even in a run oriented spring game where he didn’t get many targets. All of it makes for a melting pot of talent for Matanzas to mix up this summer and serve hot in the fall.

University Christian may have started slow as a unit but individually they were fast and furious. Especially on defense where LB #9 Titus Curry was seen blowing up backfields, and #77 Demarius Bates clogged the middle. It was tough for Matanzas to mount any offensive success against them. Bates is a mountain and refused to be moved on many occasions. It allowed the iron men defensive ends Andrew and Alex Wilcox to collapse the pocket and make plays. Curry would later in the contest provide the jolt the team needed to go ahead for good in the game.

UC’s defense made plays all night. OLB Coby Groover shot off the edge, forced the fumble and returned it 30 yards by himself. A tremendous play by a tremendous athlete for the Chrisitinas. Also #33 Cameron Paige was seen going a thousand miles a minute at the defensive line position. An undersized athlete with a high motor who will get the jump on many offensive linemen this year. #21 Dyrell Stubbs had some nice plays in the secondary and is poised to lead a defensive backfield that looks to capitalize on pass rush and blitzing backers. And # 25 Uriah Ratliff showed explosiveness in pursuit, and tackling. He’s young but showed he can already play instinctual. It’s a defense that yielded only 7 points in the spring game, had a crucial goal-line stand to end the 1st half, and had the opportunity to score on defense several occasions. The Christian’s defense is back again for another crusade.

On offense the running game wasn’t clicking on all cylinders as anticipated, so QB Clayton Boyd took to the air. He connected on some nice throws to his receiving targets. The first big one was a 40 yard throw to athlete DJ Stubbs for the first score of the game. Boyd can be counted upon to run the offense efficiently and make the big throw when needed. He showed his ability to use his legs as well. His responsibilities will only expand as he perfects the offense this summer with Head Coach David Penland III and his staff.He’s a super smart player.

 

DJ Stubbs is a player that UC will rely on heavily. He can take it out of the back field, or take it out of the air when its thrown to him. He plays with a chip on his shoulder which is what gives him a competitive edge against opponents.

Hussein Howe is gone but the running game is in great hands with RB Otis Anderson. Anderson showed in the state championship game that he can be the guy and he will. He is quick, elusive, and explosive, and will be a key cog to the UC machine. Anderson wasn’t used much in Spring, no doubt Coach Penland being smart with his star back. Instead, he spread the ball around to put the rock in the hands of his playmakers. It could be a sign to come in the fall.

The Christian’s offensive line is one of the best in the city, led by big Jylton Tusha the recent Purdue commit. Tusha is accompanied by Andrew Wilcox and Alex Wilcox at guards with the Center Nick Robertson in the middle, and the big oak tree Oake Stipe at the other bookend. These players can maul you and spring as just a dry run for them. Look for the unit to gel this summer and come back even better in the fall.

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University Christian’s 18-7 victory over Matanzes showcased lots of young talented players waiting to step up. Players like QB Javon Huey and RB Max McClendon showed tremendous promise for depth on a team looking to repeat as champions. That’s the formula that has made other programs successful in the city. Reloading with talent, and preparing them for their chance to take over the team.

Thanks for checking out this spring football recap! Don’t forget to look out for more recaps on DuvalSports.com as we lead up to August 1st, the start of the 2016 Fall Season!

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About the author

Andre' Ellis, Founder/ Lead Writer DuvalSports.com Florida Times Union All-City 1998,LB, Sandalwood Florida A&M Unv, BA , MBA

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