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Trinity Christian’s 2024 football season has been highlighted by high-scoring blowouts, a strong-armed, ACC committed quarterback and an offense loaded with explosive athletes. Even on special teams, the Crusaders are a serious threat to score.
In nine wins this season (the other one was a forfeit) Trinity Christian has averaged 48.9 points and its lowest-scoring output was a 39-12 win at Metrolina in August.
The defense came into Friday’s NCISAA Division II semifinal at undefeated High Point Christian giving up an average of only 6.5 points – less than a touchdown per game – in its wins, four of them shutouts.
Something had to give in the state semifinal and in a 50-44 shootout won by the Crusaders, turnovers made the difference.
Trinity Christian came up with four – two interceptions and two fumble recoveries – to seize the advantage and set up a second straight state championship appearance at top-seeded Asheville School on Friday in a rematch of the 2023 title game won by the Blues, 42-29.
Having the defense step up to make the difference in the biggest game of the season so far is no surprise to middle linebacker Dontario Austin.
“Defense plays 100%,” the junior said. “Everybody swarms to the ball, making tackles and filling gaps. We just do our jobs.”
Austin recovered a fumble, Jaquavious Cumpler had an interception, and stat-stuffer Xayden Watson recovered a fumble and picked off a pass in addition to scoring three touchdowns and racking up 251 yards on just 10 catches.
In the Crusaders’ closest game of the season, those possession changes were crucial.
Austin, who starred at South View before transferring to Trinity Christian, watches film on opponents and calls out reads to his teammates. That kind of preparation gives him the confidence to play at full force. And playing at full force sets…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/different-type-beast-junior-linebacker-090725602.html
Author : The Fayetteville Observer
Publish date : 2024-11-14 09:07:25
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