Kayden Graham delivered a historic performance on Friday night, rushing for a career-high 267 yards and four touchdowns to guide Judson to a 63-53 victory over Brandeis in the Class 6A Division II first-round playoff. Playing at Farris Stadium, the senior captain handled a massive workload with 38 carries, proving to be the decisive factor in a high-scoring affair. Graham’s dominance was on full display late in the fourth quarter when he capped off his night with a six-yard scoring run, extending the lead to 63-44 with 3:58 remaining to effectively seal the win.
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The victory marks a significant milestone for the Rockets, guaranteeing their first winning season since the 2020 campaign. For Judson head coach Vernon Hughes, the result was a crucial statement in his first season at the helm after arriving from Mesquite Horn. Hughes praised Graham’s relentless work ethic and leadership, noting that there is no better person to leave the game in the hands of. “KG is our guy. He’s our team captain. He’s our best player on the football team. I couldn’t be more proud of him,” Hughes said, highlighting Graham’s role as the program’s workhorse throughout the year.
Graham embraced the physical demands of the role, emphasizing his commitment to the team’s success over individual accolades. “I love it,” Graham said regarding his heavy carry load. “I do it for my team. I just wanted to make sure we made it to the next round.” With the playoff victory secured, Judson advances to the second round, carrying the momentum of a performance that underscored the depth and determination of Hughes’ new roster.
Source: Yahoo Sports
