BELLVILLE — The Faith Academy Knights held their first scrimmage of the young football season at SAB Stadium, Friday night at 6 p.m. in front of a packed house. The Knights welcomed Spring Founders (TAPPS) and Second Baptist University Model (TAPPS), in a three team switchoff style scrimmage. A few minor mistakes here and there with the blocking but they moved the ball all night and outscored both by teams by a combined, 11 touchdowns.
New to the QB position, sophomore Christian Pillow shined in his debut, throwing six TDs for over 400 yards and running for another 40 or so yards, scrambling. Junior Travis Woodley had five TDs, four of those on the receiving end from Pillow. He also had a run of 65 yards for a long score. Some of the others to score on passes were senior Noah Figueroa and junior Dylan Callihan, on 50+ yard receptions. Sophomore receiver Jackson Dunn also shined for the Knights in many areas. He is kind of a utility player for the Knights. He plays TE, receiver, RB, and even throws a little as well. He had a score on the night on a run of about 25 yards, on an around the end, race to the corner. The best play from the Knights came on a third down and 12 to go. Dunn was put in motion on a reverse from the wide-out spot and senior Luke Wicklein ran a crossing route. The sophomore baited the entire defense of Spring Founders, allowing Dunn to hit Wicklein in stride for a 65 yard TD.
Defensively, the Knights defense held their ground. Starting defensive end, sophomore Gage Wilson, made some outstanding plays in his debut at the new position. Woodley led the defense, with 14 tackles in the scrimmage. Senior Carter Findeisen recorded himself three tackles, as well as one QB-hurry. Wicklein, also playing defensive end, as well as some cornerback, made some great plays, including a great pursuit sack on the Founders’ QB.
With the Knights having seven freshmen come up from eighth grade, and new to the program, they stepped up huge, earning themselves more opportunities. Wyatt Davis, Kelton Galle, Michael Wilson, Riley Heyman and Dyllan Olivares had some tremendous plays on defense, all recording tackles of their own. Sophomore Tayte Plumb also stepped up huge for the Knights on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he made some huge blocks, as well as a catch on a dump pass that allowed him to juke and jive for a 30 yard gain. Defensively, he had six tackles and a pass breakup.
All in all, I think a lot of great things came out of this tonight. It was some of these boys first time to hit someone in a year or so, but the older leaders lead the young guys. A lot of unselfish football was played by us this evening. There was a good energy out there for their first scrimmage and gave us something to build on. We need to work a little on our technique for blocking, but they at least did it at 120%. This is a great group of young men that have been working hard all summer on their own. I believe a statement will be made this year, no matter who we play.
The Knights will travel to San Antonio Prep Friday, Aug. 18 for their second scrimmage at 7 p.m. The Knights will take on Texas Wind in their season opener, on Aug. 24 at 7 p.m., in Allen Academy’s Texas Showdown in Bryan.
