There is something brewing over at University City High with its football program.
Second-year head coach Will Franklin has the Lions program going in the positive direction. It started last season when Franklin guided the Lions to five victories in the last six games.
The Lions have carried that momentum into this season with a 2-1 record, with victories over John Burroughs and Fort Zumwalt East. Those two teams defeated University City by a combined score of 88-28.
University City opened the season with a 20-0 victory over John Burroughs. Last Thursday, the Lions scored a 39-34 victory over Fort Zumwalt East in a very entertaining and high scoring game. The Lions had a late defensive stand to hold off a late East rally.
Franklin has built a very potent offense with a lot of players who are capable of making big plays. Sophomore quarterback Teddy Stephens showed his talent when he passed for five touchdowns against Fort Zumwalt East.
The Lions also have a stable of talented athletes who can catch and run with the ball. Senior Jalen Cotton had two touchdowns on a reception and a kickoff return. Senior Gerard Minnix is a tall wide receiver who also had two touchdowns against Fort Zumwalt East, including a spectacular one-handed grab in the fourth quarter. Junior Jayshyn Cotton also added a receiving touchdown for the Lions.
University City will try to keep things rolling when its host Riverview Gardens on Thursday night.
SLUH Gets Breakthrough Win at DeSmet
St. Louis University High picked up one of its biggest wins in years when it defeated Metro Catholic Conference rival DeSmet 31-14 on the road last Friday night.
The Jr. Billikens are off to an impressive 3-0 start with victories over DeSmet and Chicago area school St. Ignatius.
SLUH has a roster full of Division I athletes and many of them came up with big plays against DeSmet. University of Missouri recruit Keenan Harris scored three rushing touchdowns while also playing stellar defense from his linebacker position. Senior running back Jordan Taylor rushed for 162 yards and a touchdown. Taylor has committed to Sacramento State. Senior Kendall McNutt had a big interception in the third quarter that set up a touchdown. He is headed to Indiana State. Senior quarterback Kyren Eleby is a 6’2” 270-pounder who is a threat to run and throw the ball.
Standout Performers from Week 2
- Junior quarterback Jonathan Moore of Lutheran North completed 13 of 16 passes for 300 yards and three touchdowns in the Crusaders’ 56-14 victory over John Burroughs.
- Senior wide receiver Jasahn Tiller of Summit had six receptions for 152 yards and two touchdowns in the Falcons’ 31-16 victory over Oakville.
- Junior quarterback Ta’Vren Williams of North Point completed 17 of 22 passes for 390 yards and four touchdowns in the Grizzlies’ 45-29 victory over Timberland.
- Junior running back Donald Collier Jr. rushed for 167 yards and two touchdowns in the Comanches’ 62-0 victory over Granite City.
- Senior quarterback Tylin Moore of Gateway STEM passed for 196 yards and two touchdowns in the Jaguars’ 34-8 victory over Clayton.
- Junior wide receiver Kyren Evans of Lutheran North had five receptions for 180 yards and three touchdowns in the Crusaders’ 56-14 victory over John Burroughs.
- Senior quarterback Nick McClellan of CBC passed for 166 yards and a touchdown and scored two rushing touchdowns in the Cadets’ 64-7 victory over Chaminade.
- Senior wide receiver Ty’Ron Williams of North Point had eight receptions for 145 yards and a touchdown in the Grizzlies’ 45-29 victory over Timberland
- Junior running back Kingston MIles rushed for 176 yards and two touchdowns in the Dragons’ 33-21 victory over O’Fallon.
(You can listen to the Earl Austin Experience on Saturday mornings from 9-11 a.m. on 590-KLIS, The Lou Information Station. You can also listen on demand on LouInfo.com or on YouTube. On Saturday, Earl’s guests will be members of the St. Louis U. High football team).