September 16, 2024
Sophomore QB Ja’dence Kennedy Shines with 5 TDs in The Villages’ Blowout Win Against Citrus
By Kyle Coppola
Sophomore QB Ja’dence Kennedy Shines with 5 TDs in The Villages’ Blowout Win Against Citrus
THE VILLAGES, Fla. — Sophomore quarterback Ja’dence Kennedy showcased an immaculate performance on Friday night, going a perfect 8-for-8 with 150 passing yards and five touchdown throws to lead The Villages High School to a commanding 55-0 victory over Citrus High School. Kennedy did not start the night as quarterback but took over in relief for Patrick Harding who has helped lead The Villages to a 2-1 start this season.
(Kennedy has come in off the bench much of the season. But this past Friday night he put a lot of people on notice.)
Kennedy wasted no time making his presence felt, connecting with his receivers for multiple explosive plays that kept Citrus’ defense on its heels. Kennedy had good chemistry with Brady Powell and Jonathan Harding who each had touchdown grab. Omari Hill also enjoyed a good night with a touchdown. Kennedy’s accuracy and poise were on full display. We had heard great things about this young man from his coaches and fans but to see this kid come in off the bench and dominate was very encouraging.
In fact, during Kennedy’s first play he bobbled the snap at the line of scrimmage nearly fumbling the ball. That however was about the only blemish on an otherwise incredible night which saw the highest point total put up by The Villages since a game against Crescent City four years ago in 2020 which The Buffalo won 50-0.
(Kennedy had a standout Junior Varsity season last year. He is a true athlete who will only improve with more experience at the varsity level.)
The Villages’ defense also played a key role, holding Citrus scoreless and not allowing the Hurricanes to develop any kind of offense the entire game. Mikeen Harrison had a pick six interception. It was Harrison’s first touchdown of the season. He also leads The Villages in total tackles.
Kennedy, in just his second year, is quickly building a reputation as one of the area’s rising stars. His five-touchdown performance Friday night only solidified that status. While we are unsure of the quarterback situation with both Harding and Kennedy handling snaps this year, Kennedy impressed a lot of people on Friday Night.
“I couldn’t do it without my teammates,” said Kennedy. “The offensive line gave me time, and the receivers were just getting open. It was a total team effort.”
The Villages will next play against Tavares High School on Friday night. The Villages will come into that contest at 3-1 on the year. Meanwhile Tavares High is also coming off a 46-0 win against Atlantic.
Photo Credit – VHS Buffalo Athletics India Pantin
Kyle Coppola was born in Newton, Massachusetts and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communications from Curry College in 2016. After traveling to Florida on a family vacation, he decided he could not get enough of the warm weather and made the move from snowy Massachusetts to central Florida 8 years ago.
For the last decade Kyle has gained valuable experience in social media content creation, marketing and sales, writing, video production, sports announcing and even broadcasting for local radio stations, such as FM 102.9 in The Villages and FM 91.5 in Massachusetts. Every year he volunteers at The Villages Charter High School as a play-by-play sports announcer for the football games as well as a public address announcer for the basketball games, including the annual Battle at The Villages Tournament.
Outside the office Kyle is a husband and father to two beautiful girls along with their cat. In his spare time he likes to spend time with his family, travel, play golf and swim. He is also a huge sports junkie and even bigger motorsports fan and loves to attend racing events when he can.
