Baldwin FL- When (8-0) Baldwin hosted (7-1) Trinity Christian in the Class 3A-1 Quarterfinals, it was billed as the irresistible force meeting the immovable object. Two teams that not only boasted two of the best records in Northeast Florida, but two teams that boasted some of the best players as well.
Yet there was one thing that both teams did better than any other team in Northeast Florida and that’s play defense. Baldwin came into the contest third in the area in total defense, only giving up an average of 137 yards per game.
Trinity, on the other hand, hadn’t yielded more than 7-points in a game since September 25th (Columbia). One of these elements had to give on this Friday 13th, as dreams of a playoff win would quickly turn into a nightmare for one team.
A scoreless first quarter saw defenses trade stops. However it was Baldwin that created turnovers when middle linebacker Gregory Washington intercepted a pass keeping the score knotted at 0-0 going into the second quarter.
Trinity’s defense continued to stifle Baldwin’s offense as the Indians only managed 16-yards rushing in the first half. Several Conquerors players stepped up to make drive stopping plays including Corey Coley Jr and Johnathan Goddard.
Reminiscent of an episode from the twilight zone, Trinity’s quarterback Jacory Jordan would be intercepted again in the second quarter, and once again it would be by Gregory Washington.
The play seemed to give Baldwin confidence as the close of the first half saw quarterback Bryce Tompkins drop back, and have time to double pump in the pocket, rifling a pass down the sideline to wide receiver Larry Worth who won the route on a double move.
The play would result in a field goal by Baldwin as the Indians took a 3-0 lead into halftime to the elation of the home crowd.
Yet elation would turn into frustration for Baldwin in the second half as their nightmare would begin. First, starting quarterback Bryce Tompkins suffered an apparent arm injury and wouldn’t return for the second half. Secondly, the Trinity defense began to bring the house.
Blitzing flustered back up quarterback Ty Petty, and a costly fumble gave Trinity momentum early in the third quarter.
Trinity would insert their star wide receiver Marcus Burke ( Florida commit) who immediately made an impact. Burke caught several passes in the third quarter which loosened up the Baldwin defense.
The strategy worked as Trinity found the big play they were looking for from junior Christian Ellis. Ellis, would take a pitch right and patiently follow his blocks, then accelerating through two defenders for a 30-yard touchdown. The play gave Trinity a 7-3 lead in the third.
Baldwin would respond. Observing the heavy blitz from the Conquerors, Baldwin dialed up a dump pass to running-back Mark Miller. Miller would take it 50-yards deep into Trinity territory, setting up ideal scoring position from the Indians.
Yet Trinity’s defense would hold. First a sack by Bryce Capers and Lucius Lattimore pushed Baldwin back 12 yards. A result of incredible penetration and pressure that bewildered the Baldwin offensive line all night.
Then, a big stop by Coley and Ellis on pass play set up a fourth down. A fade to the end-zone was incomplete and Trinity would keep Baldwin out of the end-zone for the second time in their two red-zone attempts on the night.
Trinity would be forced to punt on their next offensive possession, however Baldwin gave the ball right back to them. Petty’s pass would be intercepted by Terrell Jackson and returned 13-yards into Baldwin territory, sucking the life out of an already shorthanded Baldwin offense.
Trinity would capitalize, as Jacory Jordan made a first down with his legs, and then a touchdown with his arm. The embattled quarterback would bounce back from his early interceptions to lead the offense down the field for the crucial score.
Jordan would hit Runye Norton on a slant into the end-zone increasing the Conqueror lead to 13-3 in the fourth quarter. Receivers like Norton and Fred Highsmith moved the chains in crucial points in the game for Trinity, who played without starters Treyaun Webb, and Marcus Burke for most of the game.
After another punt by Baldwin, Trinity would shut the lights out at Earl Fouraker Field when running-back Christian Ellis burst through the left side, speeding past Baldwin defenders for a 56-yard touchdown scamper. The talented two way junior finished the game with 140-yards rushing and 2 touchdowns offense and 4 tackles (3 solo) on defense.
Trinity would hand Baldwin their only loss of the season 20-3, advancing to the regional semi-finals. The Conquerors will travel to Episcopal (6-2) next week in hopes of increasing their winning streak to nine in a row.
