By PAUL GOTHAM
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — For the first 30 minutes of Friday’s Class A1 showdown, the UPrep football team managed six first downs while being whistled for a total of 10 penalties.
A frustrating first half of play that can be expected as a team looks to find an identity after losing its losing its leader.
Consider the second half an exercise in self-awareness.
Clyde Davis, Jr. connected with Mark McClary on an 18-yard strike late in the third quarter as UPrep went on to score 18 unanswered points and defeated Irondequoit.
“It was the realization by them that we’re not playing up to our standard,” UPrep head coach Isaiah Young said after the 18-6 win. “We got to wake up and figure it out. The energy, it didn’t feel right in the beginning of the game. Body language was kinda lackadaisical. Second half, they looked up and saw the score and realized we’re better than this. We got to play up to our standard. That was the difference.”
First down from the 18, Clyde Davis, Jr. hits Mark McClary in the corner of the end zone. Point after is no good. 1:49 remaining in the third: UPrep 6 Irondequoit 6 pic.twitter.com/17jfGfoxSO
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 17, 2021
On their next possession, the Griffins went 68 yards in a eight plays to take a lead they did not surrender.
“This one was for Jordan,” Davis said of teammate Jordan Jackson who was lost for the season with a leg injury. “We just came together as brothers and put each other on our backs. We held everybody accountable. We just needed to lock in and get it done.”
Raykim Chenier finished with 143 on 22 carries. The senior capped an eight-play drive with a 10-yard rush to give UPrep its first lead with 5:06 remaining in the game.
“He’s got great vision,” Young said of his running back. “To be that fast and big is one thing, but you got to be able to see. He’s sees it very, very well.”
UPrep put the game out of reach one drive later as Lavari Smith scored from 27 yards out.
“I’m very proud, very happy of how they fought despite some adversity in the game,” Young said of his team. “All the way to the fourth quarter and just finishing the game.
Third and 5 from the 27, Lavari Smith finds a seam and goes for 6. 2-pt. Is no good. 1:54 remaining UPrep 18-6. pic.twitter.com/q5tgBugZJv
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 18, 2021
“Something we really preach is four quarters, you got to finish the game. We lost a close one last week against Brighton and to come back here when it’s close going into the fourth quarter and finish the game is huge.”
Irondequoit’s Joshua Luciano recovered a blocked punt in the end zone to give the Eagles a 6-0 lead with 11:52 to go in the second quarter.
The Eagles, though, were not able to move the ball inside UPrep’s 20-yard for the remainder of the game.
Quantel Greene, Jr. intercepted a pass on third and 20 from the Irondequoit 32-yard yard line and returned to the Eagles’ 35 giving UPrep its best field possession of the night.
UPrep takes over on the Irondequoit 35 after this Quantel Greene, Jr. interception. 2:07 remaining in the third quarter. Irondequoit 6-0. pic.twitter.com/xQyi4FPPCW
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 17, 2021
Two plays later, Davis and McClary capitalized on the opportunity.
“I took him in and broke it back out, McClary said of his route on the play. “I was wide open. My quarterback had trust in me, so he just threw it up. I went up and got it.”
“We had faith in him that he was going to make the play and the catch,” said Davis who threw for 62 yards on 8-of-14 passing. “Coach said ‘put it out there for your receiver and make sure he gets it.’”
UPrep’s Christopher Jean rushed for 61 yards on five carries while also grabbing one pass for 15 yards.
McClary made two catches for 25 yards. Todd Gillam collected four receptions for 17 yards.
Sharod Watkins led the UPrep defense with seven tackles, three for a loss and two sacks. Watkins also forced five quarterback hurries and recovered one fumble
Smith had 9.5 tackles, 3.5 for a loss and 2.5 sacks.
Nazir Wynn had seven tackles and one sack.
Dekahri Carter added 3.5 tackles, and Chenier had 2.5.
Jordan Jackson, a senior wide receiver and defensive back who was a Section V Class A All-Star in the spring, is committed to play at Central Connecticut State.
UPrep hosts Webster Thomas at Marina Auto Stadium next Friday for a 7 p.m. start.
Irondequoit plays at Gates-Chili on the same night. A 7:15 kickoff is slated.
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