Christian 25, Morse 20
As the final week of football before the Championships wraps up, I have to say, I have not witnessed a more exciting game all season than the one I witnessed last night. The Christian Patriots (11-0) hosted the Morse Tigers (6-6), in a match-up that the Patriots were favored to win by a few touchdowns. However, the Tigers defense was the strongest defense I have seen in weeks, and held the Patriots to 25 points. The Tigers would come up just short, with Christian winning 25-20 in the last 20 seconds of the game, sealing their sport in the Division III Championship game once again. The undefeated reigning CIF champs met their match last night, as Morse went ahead 20-19 with 51 seconds left, instilling the fear that the Christian winning streak might come to an end. The strong Christian team equipped with running back Adrian Petty, who was on the Silver Pigskin watch-list this year, is still unbeatable, and is looking for their second DIV III CIF San Diego Section title in a row.
In the first quarter Christian’s Adrian Petty ran for a 10-yard touchdown to give the Patriots their first points of the night. In the second quarter, Morse QB “KB” Jackson-Barbee, who I would like to nickname “Secret Weapon,” ran had a QB keeper for a 76- yard touchdown run, tying it up 7-7. But, later in the second, Christian QB David Jeremiah would find Brandon Hester for a 10-yard touchdown, and after a missed extra point the Patriots would lead 13-7. In the third quarter we saw more Adrian Petty action, as he ran for another 10-yard touchdown, bringing the Patriot lead to 19-7, after an incomplete two-point conversion. But, watch out Patriots, the Morse secret weapon “KB” Jackson-Barbee would have two more keepers, one for a 16- yard touchdown (19-14 Patriots), and another with 51.5 seconds left in the game for an 8-yard touchdown. After an incomplete two-point conversion, the score was 20-19 Tigers. But, there is a reason why this Christian team is undefeated and is headed to another Championship match-up. With 20 seconds left in the game, the Patriots would make their way down the field, and Adrian Petty scored a 43-yard touchdown run to win the game.
I want to congratulate the Morse Tigers for exceeding everyone’s expectations, continuing to drive through and upset the teams they met in the playoffs, and playing an incredible game last night. I tip my hat to you, and wish you the best of luck next season. As for the Christian Patriots, you can see them match-up with Hoover High School next week, Saturday December 6th at 12pm at Southwestern College. We look forward to seeing you there, and don’t forget to watch the live segment of PPR next week Friday at 10:30pm. Happy Playoffs!
