Manning's Robinson sparks comeback on way to Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week

When Manning needed a spark on Friday night in a homecoming matchup against East Clarendon, they called on their senior with a penchant for stepping up in the clutch.

The Wolverines decided to kick it deep for the first time in the game coming out of halftime, and CJ Robinson was ready for the moment. He weaved through the EC crowd for a massive kick return touchdown to give his team life after Manning went into halftime trailing 16-0. The Monarchs would go on to finish a 36-30 victory with Robinson's second trip to the end zone in the final minutes. Robinson's performance also earned him Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week honors.

"That's the support system. It's home," Robinson said of the Manning community that continues to rally behind him and the rest of the Monarchs. "They like to see young athletes succeed, so it's a great support system."

Manning head coach Reggie Kennedy knows that when he needs a big play, the Monarchs just need to find a way to get the ball into Robinson's hands. His electric athleticism always provides a shot in the arm whenever he gets the opportunity.

"He's a kid that wants the ball in his hands; that's the type of kid we want on offense," Kennedy said. "When you have a guy that's that hungry like that, you just have to find ways to get the ball to him.

"I think it changes the momentum of the whole game when you have plays like that on special teams, especially when you're struggling in the first half. It lit a fire under us and just gave us a spark."

Most teams don't kick the ball to Robinson. He returns kickoffs for touchdowns nearly every time an opponent gives him the chance, so he was shocked to see their rivals boot one inside the 20, rather than kick it short like they did for the rest of the night.

"I was shocked when he kicked it. When it was in the air, I was like, 'This is my chance to turn the game around," Robinson said. "I don't like to lose, especially against cross-town rivals. We were down 16-0, and Coach K came into the locker room and got on us, 'It's homecoming; this is your last homecoming, seniors, so you've got to do something.' So, I came out and got the kick return."

That kick return gave Manning a fresh start. They remained in striking distance for the rest of the night and suddenly found a lot more room to run on offense. Defensively, the Monarchs locked in, holding EC to one offensive touchdown in the second half. The Wolverines got their own kick return from Ke'shaun Porter, but it wasn't enough to knock Manning out of their rhythm.

"The defense, we played way better, and the momentum changed," Robinson said. "Everything changed after I got that one."

With the game tied at 30-30 and 2:10 left on the clock, the Monarchs lined up for a third-down play at the goal line. Robinson started on the right side of the formation, motioned left and snagged a quick pop pass from quarterback Lovell Stevenson. From there, the senior wide receiver and defensive back found the corner and burst into the end zone for the game-winning score.

"I told Coach (King) Cutter, our offensive coordinator, to call the play, and when he called it, he basically ran it the other way. I said, 'Coach, I've got you. I'm gonna get in the box," Robinson said.

With the game on the line, Kennedy and his coaching staff know they can trust Robinson to make a play. Robinson added a big 31-yard reception that helped set up a touchdown drive late in the third quarter. He finished the night with three catches for 51 yards and a score through the air.

"We just said, 'Let's get the ball in his hands and see if we can pop it in there,'" Kennedy said. "We want to get the ball in his hands in some form or some fashion. We felt like the safest way and the best way was with the speed sweep."

The comeback win was exactly what the doctor ordered for Manning as they open play in a difficult region. Now, they want to carry that momentum into the rest of their games against Region VI-2A.

"It meant a lot because in close games, my team can do anything," Robinson said. "We can pound the ball or throw the ball against anyone right now, I feel like."