Julian tops King in Hurley’s return

Updated: September 30, 2011 9:22PM

DaeShaun Hurley of Julian proved just how valuable one player can be to a team when Julian faced undefeated King in his first game of the season.

Hurley led his team to a 28-16 upset victory Friday afternoon at Gately Stadium. Hurley sat out the first five games of the season while contesting the eligibility ruling that had him initially sidelined for the year. The decision was reversed just in time for him to suit up for today’s game.

Hurley was ruled eligible by Chicago Public Schools Chief Education Officer Noemi Donoso after the family submitted to the CPS a court order that gave custody of Hurley to his father, who lives in the Julian attendance area. That reversed an earlier ruling that Hurley had transferred for athletic reasons, which is against Public League bylaws.

Hurley threw two of his three touchdown passes in the first half, connecting with Damarlon Morris for a 10-yard score with 7:46 remaining in the first quarter and Samuel Carter snagged a six-yard touchdown with 0:42 remaining in the first quarter. As Julian (3-3, 2-1 Land of Lincoln) built a 14-0 lead on its first two possessions.

Nathaniel Powers got King on the board with a 26-yard run with 1:20 remaining in the second quarter as King cut the lead to 14-8 at half time. Hurley and Morris connected again with 1:31 remaining in the third quarter on a 17-yard touchdown pass as Julian got some breathing room leading 20-8.

King (5-1, 2-1) showed why it was undefeated when DeVonte Rimmer ran nine-yards off tackle to pull within 20-16. There was a half-hour delay due to lightening with 5:56 remaining in the fourth quarter. When play resumed, King stopped Julian on a fourth and one from the 50-yard line and seemed ready to pull out the victory.

But its hopes were dashed when they fumbled on the very next play. Julian scored its last touchdown with 1:55 remaining in the fourth quarter when linebacker Martrell Travis blocked a punt that was recovered in the end zone by Stephen Wright.

Hurley finished the game with 11 of 21 passes for 111 yards and three touchdowns. He also gained 82 yards on 14 carries. He said it just felt good to be back.

“Honestly I didn’t think that I would play this year. I just want to thank my parents, coaches and teammates and everybody that has supported me through this tough situation,” said Hurley. He also realizes that he has a long way to go. “I am definitely not in game shape. I am a little banged up and sore, but it just feels good to playing.”

Contributing: Mike Clark

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