Henry has 9,255 rushing yards for his career so far, Smith finished with 8,804
Henry runs for 502 yards, most of any running back in any single game in Florida high school football history
YULEE, Fla. -- The small town of Yulee, Florida and Yulee High has a lot to be proud of after star football player Derrick Henry moved past Emmitt Smith in the Florida high school record books, setting a huge record in the process.
Dean Grunewald attends most Yulee football games. He wasn't about to miss this big night where Henry was expected to pass the legendary Emmitt Smith into the number two spot in all-time rushing yardage.
"It's amazing that the folks here get to see something that's so very, very rare in any high school sport, let alone football in our area," said Grunewald.
Derrick Henry Sr. never thought he would see his son be able to pass a milestone like this. "I never thought the record would be broken, it's special to me and I know it is special to me."
His coach Bobby Ramsay said Henry is a humble kid and never talked about the record. " If he didn't get the record and we won he would be happy, if he did and we lost he'd be upset."
It didn't take long. The second time he got the ball Henry went 70 yards for a touchdown and the fans had plenty to cheer about.
"It means a lot," said Henry. "I am blessed and thankful for my teamates and coaches over the years. It is a big achievement , a bit accomplishment for me."
Folks at Yulee High are as proud of his off the field accomplishments. "He's good on on off the field, he's got a lot of character behind him, so we are really proud of him," said athletic director Candy Hicken.
Henry ended up rushing for 502 yards for the night, setting the all-time single game record in Florida football history. "My offensive line did a great job, receivers, coaches called the right plays and I had to make it happen. I told the offensive line we were going to have a big night."
Yulee beat Jackson 45-28 in the game.
Henry's staus on the football field will put Yulee in the national spotlight next Friday night when ESPN comes to town to put the Hornets on national television.
"We are getting ready for it," said Hicken. " We will be preselling tickets, we've got a lot going for us, we think it is going to be real exciting, and we hope a lot of people come out to see us."
After passing Smith's mark and setting the single game record, Henry was set to visit the University of Alabama on Saturday. He is being recruited by the Crimson Tide, Tennessee and Georgia. ESPN would like him to announce which school he plans to attend on the national broadcast Friday but that remains to be seen.
First Coast News