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August 31, 2009

Black magic taking on a new meaning at JHS

By Jay Neal

sports@jacksonvilleprogress.com



Black magic, by proper definition, is the belief in magical spells that harness occult forces or evil spirits to produce unnatural effects in the world.

Jacksonville High School junior-quarterback Ryan Black is rapidly becoming known for producing an entirely different type of wizardry, or “Black Magic”.

Now Black’s magic has nothing to do with demons or the supernatural, but it’s end result, thus far, has definitely been a tad unnatural or, at least, somewhat unexpected.

Black started his phenomenal progression way back in late May during the Indians’ 7 on 7 season.

Always recognized as having a cannon of a throwing arm, the southpaw advanced in his reads and decision making skills from week to week during the summer.

He continued to shine during two-a-days and in the Tribe’s scrimmage victories against Crockett, Longview Spring Hill and Longview Pine Tree by not only firing strikes with amazing accuracy to receivers sprinkled about the field, but also in his ability to scramble and routinely turn plays that appear to be headed for losses into big gains.

Talking with Black about his accomplishments during the Indians’ jamboree season revealed a certain level of maturity not harbored by an average 11th grader.

Black’s first real test though came Friday night against a pretty feisty Marshall Maverick defense on the Mavs’ home turf.

To say Black passed the test with flying colors may be a bit of an understatement.

Much of his accomplishments bordered on being magical; thus a new nickname — ”Houdini” — was bestowed upon Black from JHS head coach Steve Wells.

Black’s magic by the numbers: 24-of-36 passing (67 percent) for 262 yards and three touchdowns (no interceptions) in Jacksonville’s thrilling 35-27 overtime win over Marshall.

Black connected with seven different Indian receivers (Justin Davis, Chris Hall, Duke Hamilton, Cory Hamlett, Brandon Orr, LaVante Franklin and Tradarreon Moreland) on pass receptions ranging from one yard to 38 yards.

While not under severe duress in the first half, Black did receive several bruising hits in the second half from the likes of Maverick linebacker Aaron Franklin — a University of Oklahoma commit — and his mates, and never once did he throw a poor pass or let the effects of the bone-jarring slams affect him in a negative way.

With the victory being one of the biggest wins in recent school history — Jacksonville had never defeated the Mavericks in Marshall during the modern era — it would be understandable for Black to be whooping it up — basking in the moment — following the hard-fought affair. Not so.

When interviewed moments after the conclusion of the exciting contest, Black spoke of only two things, being physically drained and getting ready for Corsicana, this week’s opponent.

The humbleness and maturity shown — priceless!

During the Indians’ annual Media Day in late August, Black, who saw action as a sophomore in several games late in the 2008 campaign, responded to a question regarding if he felt he would have more of a leadership role in this year’s team.

“Last year I was a sophomore and you don’t get much respect from the seniors when you are a sophomore,” Black explained. “This year I feel I have more control of the team and I have the respect that every quarterback wants to have.”

Black earned everyone’s respect with his superb performance Friday.

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