Conchs fail to maintain in second half against Christian Knights

Once again, the Key West High football team was right there with University Christian, which entered the contest on Friday, Sept. 22, ranked No. 30 in all classifications across the state.

Midway through the second quarter, it would seem as if the Conchs were going to be able to keep it tight the entire way, trailing by just 10 points while the Key West student section began to chant “overrated” as the Christian Knights took the KWHS Back Yard gridiron. That was about the point things started to go wrong for Key West, as University marched from deep in their own territory to convert on a 14-yard touchdown run, added one more before the half and two in the third quarter, all unanswered, to go in front by 38 points before clearing the bench and holding onto a 41-17 victory.

Turnovers once again hampered the Conchs, giving up three fumbles in the game, the first converted into a 4-yard touchdown run for the early University Christian lead. Key West had an opportunity to even the score but was stopped at the goal line, having one scoring run called back due to a penalty, and went for a 33-yard field goal that was converted by Marco Davila.

Behind by just four points, the Conchs did allow a 76-yard run to pay dirt by the Christians, but Key West was able to stay back by just 10 points until the waning seconds of the first half when University struck twice on scoring runs from 14 and 12 yards out to take a 28-3 into the half.

After the break, turnovers once again got the best of Key West as a pair of fumbles turned into two University Christian touchdowns and the 31-point advantage.

Holding a decisive advantage, University cleared its bench, and Key West was able to take advantage with Walson Morin scoring twice, on 64-yard and 21-yard rushing scores, but it was not enough to make it a game, as the Christians were able to run the clock out on their fourth-quarter possessions.

Key West (1-4 overall) took on the likes of University Christian, which is on the largest 4S classification, to better prepare to contend in its District 16-2S, which begins on Friday, Sept. 29, with a trip to Bishop Verot.

jwcooke@keysnews.com