St. Fleur, Patriots have spring bloom

By Ramon Scott
Updated: April 17, 2021

EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL

CHRISTIAN 52, MISSION BAY 31

EastCountySports.com staff report

MISSION BAY – Jake Davila accounted for three touchdowns and Jack St. Fleur scored three times as the Christian Patriots gave their fans a season-ending 52-31 victory over the host Mission Bay Buccaneers on Friday night.

It was a rewarding finish for St. Fleur, a senior captain, as he battled injuries throughout his career but played spectacularly in his final two games.

A flashy star who can play receiver or at running back, St. Fleur took 19 handoffs against the Bucs, gaining 177 yards to go with his three scores – all from five yards out.

The win also represented the Patriots’ future with sophomore quarterback Jake Davila taking charge of the job following a season-ending injury to college prospect Gabe Krug late in the shortened season.

Christian High scores a touchdown on Friday night against Mission Bay. / photo by Andy Fierro

“With all the injuries we faced this year, especially to our senior class, this was a great building block into next season for our young group,” Christian head coach Dan Mitchell said. “Nearly every guy on the field will be back. We have a lot of work to do culturally, mentally, and physically, but we’re going in the right direction. We’ve got a special student-athlete as our leader for the next few years in Jake Davila.”

Christian took the ball down the field on the opening drive and scored on a 5-yard run by St. Fleur just three minutes into the game. Davila rushed in the conversion for an 8-0 lead.

Mission Bay picked up a long gainer on a pass but the CHS defense held the Bucs to a turnover on downs inside the 10 yards line.

The Patriots took a 16-0 lead in the first minute of the second quarter when St. Fleur rushed in another 5-yard touchdown. This time, Joey Merritt caught the conversation from Davila for a 16-0 lead.

The Bucs answered with a 55-yard touchdown pass from Clash Orsborn to Andrew Hutchison to close the lead to 16-6 midway through the second quarter.

“I know these guys have something special cooking up in the future for them,” St. Fleur said. “It’s definitely scary to think that they’ll a play such a big role and their only sophomores this year.

Thank you @CHS___Athletics,@CoachD_Mitch, teammates/families for the last 3 years. Crazy to think that it’s over now, but I wouldn’t wanna finish with another group. Y’all will always be family to me and I hope you guys won’t ever forget that. Forever a Patriot ❤️ #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/quRMSWMtxl

— Jack St.Fleur (@JackStfleur3) April 17, 2021

“Joey Merritt, J.C. Gustin. Chris Akridge, Hunter Province, Aaron Shebloski, and Isaiah Givens are a major part of our success this year, not only tonight. These sophomores all stepped up to the plate when we were down with season-ending injuries but they are the hardest working group out there.”

In the fourth quarter, Orsborn capped a drive in the first minute with a 6-yard touchdown run, although a two-point pass attempt was incomplete and the Bucs were left trailing, 30-25.

Christian appeared to move in for a countering score as the offensive pace picked up considerably, but Mission Bay came up with a turnover on downs inside their own 5 with eight minutes to play.

However, the hosts couldn’t put anything together and the Pats got a short field midway through the period.

Davila added a second rushing touchdown, this one from 29 yards out, to put Christian ahead by two scores, 37-25.

Somehow, the teams managed three touchdowns in the final couple of minutes of the game, although the outcome was decided.

Davila threw a 17-yard touchdown to Isaiah Givens, as the Patriots’ ensuing two-pointer made it a 20-point lead.

The Pats added a rushing score just a minute later, then Mission Bay closed with a consolation touchdown in the final minute.

Alzono Glenn was credited with a 2-yard touchdown run for CHS.

Christian High tackles Mission Bay on Friday night. / photo by Andy Fierro

Merritt led the receivers with four catches, while Givens has three receptions for 42 yards and a score.

Gustin also hauled in three passes from Davila and one from the Bucs, recording a pick.

“I’d like to thank my O-line who worked for me all night long and put it on their D-line play after play, Davila said. “I’d also like to thank Jack St. Fleur for not giving up and keep going. And all my wide receivers – Joey Merritt, J.C. Gustin, Isaiah Givens, Chris Akrdige, and Hunter Provience for opening things up all night for me.

“Lastly, I’d like to thank all my seniors, even the ones who didn’t play, that got me ready for this. I wouldn’t want to play with any other guys.”

Andrew Young had two sacks for the Patriots. He amassed seven total tackles, including five solo and 1 1/2 for loss.

Noah Pisia also paced the Christian High defense with six tackles, including four solo and 1 1/2 for loss.