Aurora Christian Surges to Victory with Callaway’s Heroics

Junior running back Jalen Callaway played a crucial role for Aurora Christian. The team knew it was time to unleash their full potential on Saturday afternoon. Yet, for part of the game, executing that plan proved challenging. Callaway drives a powerful offensive attack and understands that playoff advancements bring tougher challenges. He feels the pressure to meet rising expectations.

“We came out slow, but we’re a second-half team,” Callaway stated confidently. “We knew we could turn it around.” And they did, fueled by Callaway’s big plays and a strong defensive effort. Aurora Christian defeated Maroa-Forsyth 28-7 in the Class 2A second-round game.

Callaway, with a season total of 1,422 rushing yards and 447 receiving yards, faced difficulties in the first half. The Trojans, with a record of 9-2, limited him to just 11 yards on seven carries. Meanwhile, Luke Baumann, a sophomore running back, managed only 24 yards on three carries.

Sophomore quarterback Jesus “Juju” Vasquez scored a 4-yard touchdown run, which Maroa-Forsyth’s Aiden Williams matched with a short TD pass. Senior right tackle TJ Anderson expressed the team’s dissatisfaction with a tied score at halftime. “Our O-line didn’t perform great. We knew we had to step it up,” Anderson commented.

They had changed their tactics, switching up with slants, blitzes, and stunts we hadn’t expected.

Late in the third quarter, Callaway took a direct snap, sweeping around the left end for a 25-yard touchdown. This play gave the Eagles a permanent lead. After Maroa-Forsyth turned the ball over on downs, Callaway added to the lead. He bobbled a screen pass from Vasquez, collected it, and completed a 77-yard touchdown reception. The Eagles now advance to the quarterfinals against Gridley, who hold a perfect 11-0 record.

“The lights were in my eyes,” Callaway explained about his challenging catch. “I went up and grabbed it for my team.”

Baumann’s contributions were significant too. He set up the first touchdown in the second half with his initial interception of the game, tying the program’s single-season record of eight interceptions. Baumann praised Callaway, “The guy is a freak, a total freak.” He admired the linemen’s consistent performance throughout the year.

Baumann also completed a 56-yard run and a 46-yard touchdown run, accumulating 130 rushing yards. Callaway finished the game with 117 receiving yards and 55 rushing yards.

Aurora Christian coach David Beebe noted, “We figured things out in the second half, got big chunk plays.” He appreciated having both Callaway and Baumann, calling them a “double punch.”

Defensively, the team showed strength. Junior defensive back Carson Moreno contributed an interception, junior Tucker Lofton applied strong pass pressure, and senior cornerback Chet Morris excelled in coverage. “That was a signature night for the defense,” Beebe said.