Jacksonville FL- A loss to Santa Fe two weeks ago was a maturity moment for Bradford. Even though the Tornadoes advanced to the state semifinals last year, they returned a very young team that needed time to grow with one another this year. Well after a win over Fort White last week, and a 34-20 victory over University Christian Friday, Bradford feels like they’re back and on track to “go one more round”.
The Captains Meet!! Game Time!! Bradford Tornadoes vs The Univeristy Christian Fighting Christians @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/UZ9QT43m4x
— Makeda Lawton (@adekam1976) September 28, 2018
The Tornadoes fell behind early on the road against the Christians when Maurice Shingles scored a late first quarter touchdown for University Christian giving them a 7-0 lead. University Christian was fueled by their home crowd early, but the Tornadoes travel well as the visiting stands reflected red and white. In the second quarter the visiting crowd galvanized Bradford and Pedro Carter responded with a touchdown to tie the score 7-7. Adrien Ciena would get into the endzone next, to put Bradford ahead 14-7. They would never look back as Erric Smith ensured that with a 60-yard touchdown run putting his team up 20-7 at the half.
Bradford’s dynamic playmaker #8 Pedro Carter @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/A81pwY2pJv
— Makeda Lawton (@adekam1976) September 29, 2018
A 20-point second quarter for Bradford allowed them to pin their ears back and rush the quarterback. The Tornadoes pressured UC quarterback Ridge Jacobs and forced him to throw off schedule. Said Bradford’s Head Coach Brian Tomlinson “I’m extremely proud of them, the defensive line was constantly in the back-field and hitting them”. The pressure created key interceptions and turnovers for Bradford that was the difference in the game.
While defense may have been the difference, running back Erric Smith was the difference maker. Smith suffered a loss in his family earlier in the week and played with a heavy heart. The talented sophomore running back turned the pain of losing a loved one into running with a purpose against University Christian. Smith would add to his rushing total when he rolled off a 74-yard touchdown run in the second half giving his team a 27-7 lead.
Erric Smith scores a 74 yard touchdown run for Bradford. The kick is good and the score is 27-7. Bradford leads @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/qp1Q9M4uFM
— Makeda Lawton (@adekam1976) September 29, 2018
University Christian would claw back into the game when Jaedon Stoshak scored a touchdown and Derrick Stumph recovered a fumble to set up a Ridge Jacobs touchdown pass to Kentrelle Williams to pull to within seven, 27-20 in the fourth.
Fumble recovery by UC #24 Derrick Stumph @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/sPwg7ec3nf
— Makeda Lawton (@adekam1976) September 29, 2018
However, Bradford’s Adrien Ciena would answer. Ciena would find Nathaniel Davis in the end zone to put the game away. It was Ciena’s second touchdown, and a touchdown to go with an interception earlier in the game for Davis. It’s plays and players like the ones showcased by Bradford Friday night that has them believing they are back. They’ll get a good chance to prove it against West Nassau (5-0) this week.
