Jace McDonald leads Williston past Hudson in battle of undefeated’s

McDonald rushed for 191 yards in the first half en route to the Red Devils win

HUDSON, FLORIDA- It’s been a long time since Hudson and Williston last saw each other. 

Around 18 years to be exact when the two teams met in a Class 3A region semifinal. 

That night back in 2005, the Cobras were able to defeat the Red Devils behind a packed house at Cobra Stadium 20-12, advancing to the region final. 

The Red Devils made sure it was never that close in Friday night’s matchup between the two undefeated teams. Williston running back Jace McDonald led the way on the ground, rushing for 223 yards, scoring four touchdowns in a 49-18 defeat of Hudson. 

Both teams entered the game with aspirations of remaining undefeated with hopes to build on the win as the season nears a close. It would be Williston that displayed its dominance, especially at the line of scrimmage throughout the evening. 

The Red Devils (8-0) entered the night averaging 288 yards rushing on the ground, but left the stadium with their best rushing total of the season unofficially. Williston ended the night rushing for 503 yards on 34 attempts, with McDonald being the standout. 

It didn’t take long to realize it would be a big night for McDonald, who scored on Williston’s first possession, a 63-yard touchdown run. McDonald would go for 223 yards on a mere eight carries and found the endzone four times. 

Hudson (7-1) had some big plays of its own throughout the evening as they opened up with an 87-yard pass connection from quarterback Riley Blevens (17-of-25, 166 yards) to wide receiver AJ McFarlane (four catches, 122 yards). 

After the exchanging of scores in the opening quarter, the Red Devils looked like they would begin to pull away late in the second quarter. McDonald would score on another 63-yard scamper, making it 22-6 Williston with 1:55 before halftime. 

.@jace_mcdonald8 is off to the races again on a 63-yard touchdown run. He’s up to 191 yards on 5 carries. @Williston_FTBL 22, @cobrafball2017 6, 2nd Q 1:55@SBLiveSports @SBLiveFL @PascoCountyFB @AlexTamayo22 @larryblustein @JonSantucci @DanLaForestFB @CenFLAPreps… pic.twitter.com/fk0TjiaFaw

— Andy Villamarzo (@Andy_Villamarzo) October 21, 2023

The Cobras would respond early in the third quarter to cut into the Red Devils’ lead, with Blevens finding McFarlane again and this time on a 25-yard strike. Trailing 22-12, Hudson needed to make a stop and score again, but Robby Pruitt’s bunch would not be denied win No. 8 on the season. 

After penalties stalled the drive seemingly, Williston would get down to Hudson’s 17-yard line and running back Tranard Roberts (five carries, 57 yards) would do the rest. The tailback would score on an incredible 17-yard run, breaking several would be tacklers along the way. 

BUT HOW? @tranardroberts1 breaks 3-4 would be tacklers and scores on a 17-yard touchdown run. @Williston_FTBL 28, @cobrafball2017 12, 3rd Q 5:45@SBLiveSports @SBLiveFL @PascoCountyFB @AlexTamayo22 @larryblustein @JonSantucci @DanLaForestFB @CenFLAPreps @football305407… pic.twitter.com/ydDTMVRR9J

— Andy Villamarzo (@Andy_Villamarzo) October 21, 2023

McDonald wouldn’t be the only player that broke for over 100 yards rushing on the night as teammate Jharez Williams rushed for 107 yards on eight attempts and a touchdown. 

Tim Hicks and the Cobras just couldn’t get anything going on the ground against a stiff Red Devils front seven, with Hudson finishing with just 35 yards on 19 attempts. Despite the loss for Hudson, they can still notch the best regular season record in program history as they finish out against Anclote and rival Fivay. 

As for Williston, the Red Devils continue their march towards an undefeated season under Pruitt and have their sights set on nabbing the No. 1 seed in Class 1R, Region 4. 

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-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl