Henderson leads YC to big win over NWC
If one were to look over Yuma Catholic’s stats heading into Friday night’s game, the name that would jump out is J.R. Henderson’s.
The junior wide receiver had 24 receptions, 470 yards and five total touchdowns — three receiving, one punt return and one kick return — in four games.
On the fourth play at Ricky Gwynn Stadium, Northwest Christian dared the Shamrocks to throw to him. The result was a 75yard passing touchdown from sophomore quarterback Gage Reese to Henderson.
“I haven’t seen a guy that can cover him one-on-one,” Yuma Catholic coach Aaron Cheatwood said. “For a team to — right out the gate — decide they’re going to try is silly considering the resume of work he has on film.”
That play set the tone for what ended up being one of
YC: 4-1 overall NWC: 3-2 overall
the most lopsided contests in the 14-game history of this rivalry, a 37-14 win for Yuma Catholic.
“I felt like it gave us a lot of energy to start with that,” Henderson said. “Coach tagged my number, and Gage threw a good ball and just let me run with it. It gave us a lot of momentum to go into the game.”
The Shamrocks (4-1 AIA) controlled Friday’s meeting from the jump, heading into halftime with a 27-0 lead. After two quarters, they had outgained the Crusaders (3-2 AIA) 289 yards to 75 on offense.
And Henderson contin-