Aurora Christian’s Jalen Callaway scores 5 TDs, including an interception return, in easy win over Elgin
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
It would be no small feat.
Junior running back/defensive end Jalen Callaway saw Friday’s home game as a big challenge for Aurora Christian. The Class 2A football program was facing an 8A opponent in Elgin.
Both teams were playoff qualifiers a year ago, but the Eagles were even smaller in numbers on a hot, humid night, with only 25 of the 27 players on the roster available for duty.
In the end, it didn’t matter.
“I try to do everything I can — just do what I do,” Callaway said. “I come out here to try and help my team.”
The 6-foot, 185-pound Callaway made his presence felt in a big way in the 49-0 nonconference victory, piling up 262 all-purpose yards and scoring five touchdowns, including one on defense.
Aurora Christian (2-0) gained 22 yards on the opening drive before Callaway took a handoff and went over the right side behind the block of 6-4, 305-pound tackle TJ Anderson and sped 44 yards for a TD.
It didn’t surprise teammate Justin Douglas, who pulls triple duty himself at linebacker and fullback while also playing on the offensive line.
“He’s such an electric player,” Douglas said of Callaway. “As long as the line does the blocking for him, Jalen’s gone.”
Behind the running back duo of senior Anthony Foster and junior LaMarin Powell, Elgin (0-2) ran 11 plays on the next drive but it was cut short on an interception by senior linebacker Jordan McGee of a tipped pass from senior quarterback Jacob Rufino.
Two plays later, Callaway hooked up on a go route with sophomore quarterback Jesus “Juju” Vasquez for a 47-yard TD and a 14-0 lead.
Things went from bad to worse for Elgin, which turned the ball over on four straight possessions in the first half, including three interceptions.
“We took pride in this game and knew we had to step it up for an 8A school,” Douglas said.
Sophomore safety Luke Baumann returned an interception 40 yards for a TD. Callaway then recovered a fumbled lateral that set up his 10-yard TD run and followed with another pick six.
“We knew from studying film that was their go-to play when they needed a big play,” Callaway said of his leaping grab on a third-down screen pass to a running back over the middle. “We knew their formations. I was waiting on that play all night.
“I didn’t rush the quarterback, sat right there, saw it coming and was like, ‘Yeah, I’m going to the crib.’”
He returned the interception 76 yards for a TD, making it 35-0.
“I didn’t expect him to pick it off,” Aurora Christian coach David Beebe said. “I thought he’d be ready to make the tackle. As soon as he caught it, I thought he might go.
“It’s a joy to watch because he’s such an easy kid to root for. He’s unselfish and just loves the game.”
After a punt by Elgin, Vasquez capped a 39-yard drive with a 2-yard TD pass to sophomore wideout Ty Beebe in setting the stage for a running clock in the second half.
Vazquez completed 5 for 5 passes for 79 yards and two TDs.
“We’ve got a lot of sophomores out there and our mentality is we’re going to keep going,” Callaway said. “After last year, I felt I was going to have to step up and lead more. A great senior class last year passed that down.
“People are gonna know about Juju. He’s a big part of what we do and all the attention is gonna be on him every game.”
With eight TDs already this season, Callaway is happy to share the limelight.
“He’s something else — a coach’s dream,” Beebe said. “And people don’t realize how good a kid he is, too. He works very hard, is very respectful and always has a smile on his face.
“Oh, by the way, he can play football.”
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos