P.K. Yonge Struggles Against Impact Christian Academy In Season Finale

The P.K. Yonge Blue Wave, playing in front of their home crowd in the final game of the regular  season against Jacksonville Impact Christian Academy last Friday, were without starting quarterback AJ Powers.

With a chance to go to the playoffs with a win, P.K. Yonge sophomore running back Braeden Brockington took on the leadership role.

After the 37-0 loss Oct. 25 to Ocala Trinity Catholic, P.K. Yonge knew it had to make adjustments on the defense. PKY sophomore cornerback Cameron Awuma, took the initiative to set the tone.

But the Blue Wave’s efforts fell short in the 44-21 loss to Impact Christian (6-4).

Relying On Run Game

The Blue Wave game plan was to rely on the run game. Brockington did not shy away from the opportunity and went for 182 rushing yards and a score on 21 carries.

P.K. Yonge (5-4) took multiple shots at the end zone, went for it on fourth down, yet with all those efforts the offense could not find a rhythm.

It wasn’t until the end of the second quarter that P.K. Yonge was able to get its first explosive drive, with Brockington rushing for more than 30 yards on a carry to get it into the red zone.

Brockington scored on the next play to give the Blue Wave a lead before half time.

The Blue Wave were shut out until the fourth quarter when they were able to score one more touchdown, but it was not enough to beat Impact.

Stellar Defense Keeps Team In Fight

On defense, Awuma was all over the field. He ended the night with two interceptions, a fumble recovery for a touchdown and multiple tackles for loss. Awuma’s effort was setting the tone for the P.K. Yonge defense in the first half by holding Impact to only six points.

 Brockington, also joined the defensive efforts and had a pick of his own, which kept the Blue Wave defense on a roll.

During a two-point play in the second half, Awuma went down with a cramp that took him off the field for all of third quarter. Without Awuma’s leadership, the defense lost its focus and allowed more than 30 points.

Next Up, Offseason

P.K. Yonge didn’t achieve its goal of making the state playoffs, but have plans for the offseason.

The Blue Wave must become “bigger, faster and stronger,” coach Willie Jackson said.

Players thoughts

Check out the postgame interview with Braeden Brockington and Cameron Awuma:

Postgame interview by @Jelianys_11 with running back #2 Braeden Brockington and middle linebacker #12 Cameron Awuma pic.twitter.com/9z8AE4O0Bi

— Dalton Sallengs (@DSallengs) November 2, 2024