Christian Academy-Louisville cruises to three-peat with 42-21 win over Union County

In its first 40 years as a school, Christian Academy-Louisville did not win a state championship or make a single state championship appearance. Following its dominant 42-21 win over No. 23 Union County on Saturday however, the No. 11 ranked Centurions won their FIFTH state championship in just the last nine seasons.

Connor Hodge, who was converted from receiver to quarterback this season following the departure of his brother Cole at the position, absolutely dominated on the Kroger Field turf Saturday. Hodge got it done with his arm and his feet, as he passed for 225 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 137 yards and four touchdowns. He was named the Class 3A Championship Game MVP.

In the loss, Union County’s Jarren Johnson looked like the real deal. The senior superstar, who rushed for whopping 2,533 rushing yards (second most in the state) and 43 rushing touchdowns (most in the state) this season, finished with 149 rushing yards (103 in the first half) and a score on the ground. He also snagged his fifth interception of the year and returned for his first interception return touchdown.

Following the end of Boyle County’s four consecutive 4A championships streak this season, the Centurions now hold the longest active title streak in the state of Kentucky (three). Head coach Hunter Cantwell wrapped up his third state championship victory as the head coach of the Centurions as well.

CAL dominates the first half

Union County entered Saturday’s game as a 32-point underdog (according to The Massey Ratings Prediction), but opened the game strong by forcing a CAL three-and-out. The opening game momentum continued for the Braves, as superstar quarterback Jarren Johnson rushed for 42 yards on their first offensive play of the game.

Although they came out of the gates swinging, the overpowering Christian Academy-Louisville team began to assert its dominance. After stopping the Braves offense on a 4th & 9 attempt from the CAL 29-yard line, quarterback Connor Hodge connected with wide receiver Stone Perkins on a 20-yard pass to get the Centurion offense rolling.

CAL capped off its second possession with an eight-yard rushing touchdown courtesy of Hodge, marking his 16th of the season. Just nine minutes into the title game, the Centurions had pretty much already wrapped up the championship.

Union County failed to convert yet another fourth down conversion, which led to a 70-yard passing touchdown from Hodge to wide receiver Trey Cotton on the following play. Hodge to Cotton’s touchdown marked the duo’s 21st scoring connection of the season.

CAL QB Connor Hodge finds WR Trey Cotton WIDE OPEN for a 70-yard score. The duo’s 21st touchdown connection of the season.

No. 11 CAL 14 | No. 23 Union Co. 0 | :6 1Q pic.twitter.com/eTz85FZSie

— Daniel Hager (@DanielHagerKSR) December 7, 2024

The CAL Centurions gained all the momentum, while all the air was sucked out of Union County’s hopes. The Braves conceded and punted on their next two possessions, one of which was blocked to give CAL possession on the Union County 24-yard line.

Hodge connected with wide receiver Bryce Wilson for a 38-yard touchdown to make it 21-0 Centurions, then took it himself for a 20-yard rushing touchdown on the next drive. Cementing itself a 28-0 lead at the break, it would take just seven more points in the second half to force a running clock.

Three-peat for the Centurions

Union County opened the second half with the ball, where a score was almost a necessity if the Braves still had any chance of making this a game. They however failed to convert on fourth down once again, falling to 0/3 on the day. A CAL touchdown would have rolled the clock, but luck struck courtesy of Union County superstar Jarren Johnson.

As the Centurions were driving, a pass from Hodge was deflected and caught by Johnson, who returned it 72-yards for a Braves touchdown. This score prevented Union County from being shut out for the first time in five seasons. The hope for a comeback continued, as the Braves recovered an onside kick on the ensuing kickoff.

72-YARD INTERCEPTION RETURN TOUCHDOWN FOR JARREN JOHNSON.

What can’t he do?

No. 11 CAL 28 | No. 23 Union Co. 7 | 5:03 3Q pic.twitter.com/O1LBtk1bXP

— Daniel Hager (@DanielHagerKSR) December 7, 2024

After recovering the onside kick, Johnson continued to play hero ball for the Braves offense. After connecting with wide receiver Keelyn Gobin to convert a 4th & 6, he hit receiver Luke Thomas in stride to put the Braves at the CAL 11-yard line. The superstar quarterback then kept it himself for an eight-yard rushing touchdown, cutting CAL’s 28-point lead in half as the third quarter came to a close.

Connor Hodge however shut down any hope of a comeback as he rushed for a 22-yard touchdown and a 12-yard touchdown in the final quarter, cementing a monster day for the 3A Championship Game MVP.

Coach Hunter Cantwell’s squad ran through the playoffs, outscoring teams (Marion County, Mercer County, Central, Lexington Catholic, and Union County) 223-70 en route to its third consecutive State Championship victory.