ORLANDO – Winning a state championship is hard. Winning a back-to-back state championships is even harder. Winning three consecutive championships is nearly impossible given the circumstances in today’s climate. The Champagnat Catholic Lions from Hialeah had other such plans, and such was the fate for University Christian as they were unable to reach their third state title in as many years and tenth overall as a program in a 24-7 loss Friday afternoon at Camping World Stadium.

The title was Champagnat’s first since 2013, when they defeated Victory Christian from Lakeland. This was also their third appearance in the last five seasons. The Lions controlled the action following UC’s initial drive that ended in a score, which was UC’s only lead of the ballgame. University Christian Senior QB Clayton Boyd was responsible for 166 of UC’s 233 total yardage on the afternoon. Defensive Ends Gregory Rousseau (Sr) and Jesus Machado (So) were complete menaces for the Lions combining for 17 tackles, 4 sacks, and 5 tackles for loss. Rousseau is a Miami Commit and Machado earned an Alabama offer in the 8th grade. CHECK OUT THE HOT PICTURES HERE

BY THE NUMBERS

0 – University Christian converted on zero 4th down. Champagnat converted 2 of 3.

9 – UC’s time of possession in the third quarter = 9:03. No points to show for it.

23.8 – Yards per completion for Champagnat. QB Desjaun Kearse threw for 214 yards.

26 – Rushing yards for UC ATH Jalen Dunnigan. Clayton Boyd had 136. No other UC player had a single rushing yard.

43 – The number of rushing yards lost for UC. Champagnat pushed the line of scrimmage back in the lap of UC. Forcing several tackles for loss and sacks.

55/56 – Total number of offensive plays for Champagnat/University Christian