ORLANDO-Leon Huey took this game quite personally, literally putting it into his own hands.
A year ago, Huey a starting middle linebacker at Ribault saw his state title hopes dashed in a second round 26-20 loss to Suwannee.
He made sure it didn’t happen.
Huey who transferred from Ribault to University Christian in the off season helped lead U.C. to its 9th overall state title with a 24-8 win over Champagnat at Camping World Stadium.
With his team ahead just 3-0 in the third quarter, Huey returned a punt 27 yards for a score and 10-0 lead late in the third quarter.
He didn’t stop there though.
Following a Clayton Boyd 5- yard touchdown run which put the Christians ahead 17-0 lead with three minutes left, Huey struck again.
Huey picked up a fumble and returned it 49 yards for a score putting the Christians ahead 24-0 with 1:34 left in the game.
“It feels great, last year I was crying at this time and now we’re back-to-back state champs,” Huey said.
The Christians defense held Champagnat offense to -42 yards rushing and to just 149 total yards.
“I trust my defense and my DBs, we’re all a big family and play together,” Huey said.
Neither team had much of an offense at all as both teams struggled to find any rhythm.
University Christian (10-2) couldn’t take advantage of great field position from Champagnat, which averaged 22 yards a punt and started nearly every drive from midfield.
Huey led the team with 8 tackles and also lined up at tailback carrying the ball four times for 38 yards.
Other defensive standouts were Titus Curry (6 tackles,1 sack, 4 tackles for a loss), James Sasser (5 tackles, 1 sack, 2 tackles for a loss) and Dyrell Stubbs (2 interceptions,, 2 pass breakups).
Scoring Summary
UC 24, Champagnat 8
1st: UC: Sami Safar 32 yard field goal (3-0)
3rd: Leon Huey 27 yard punt return (Safar kick) (10-0)
4th: Clayton Boyd 5 run (Safar kick) (17-0)
4th: Leon Huey 49 yard fumble return (Safar kick) (24-0)
4th: Johnquai Lewis 13 pass from K. Dessources (24-8)
