GEORGETOWN — The Faith Academy Knights travelled to Georgetown to take on Fredericksburg Heritage, in the TAPPS Regional playoff game. The game was played at Wagner Middle School.
The Knights jumped out to an early lead on their first play on offense, a 46 yard catch and throw from junior QB Christian Pillow to junior Jackson Dunn to take the lead. But the Heritage offense was too much for the Knight defense. They went very slow and methodical and were persistent on 5 yards a play.
Other TDs for the Knights was Dunn again on a 41 yard run, and senior Travis Woodley scored twice on runs, from 2 yards out and 43 yards out. The Heritage pressure was tough on the Knights offensive line, making the Knights rush their throws and it was hard to get their running game going. Junior Josh Stark continued his good play with 60 yards receiving.
Defensively, the Knights made some great stops. Heritage started the game with the ball. The Knights stopped them on the first 4th down to get a turn over. Throughout the game, the Knights showed flashes of great ness. The Knights were led by Woodley with 12 tackles. Seniors Cash Eckermann and Dylan Callihan also added 8 tackles each. Callihan had the play of the game right before the half. Heritage on the 3 yard line with 4 seconds left, Callihan was lined up over the center in a 4 point stance. As soon as the ball was snapped, he put a swim move on the center and sacked the QB as he received the snap. Junior Gage Wilson added 4 tackles as well as a forced fumble. Mistakes on offense and unable to execute big plays, made it an uphill battle for the Knights. Heritage would go on to win the contest 58-24. Good luck to Fredericksburg Heritage as they move towards a State Championship, which they have played in 12 of the last 15 years. They will take on Bryan St Joseph this week, for a chance to play in that State game that will take place in Waco, on December 5th.
To my Knights, thank you for a wonderful season. From leading the State in scoring, to having two players with 35+ TDs, arguably the best offensive line in the state, and putting Faith Academy back on the map in football. Each one of you had your own personalities, your own distinctive characteristics, that makes each of you special. To my seniors Travis Woodley, Dylan Callihan, and Cash Eckermann, thank you for being you. You three led this team with your leadership, not allowing others to slack off in practice, and work hard every day at 2:30 when we hit the field for practice. This one hits a little harder than the recent years as these are the guys I started with in seventh grade. You will be three players and leaders that will be hard to replace. The other Knights have some big shoes to fill. I love you as my own and wish you nothing but the best in the future, wherever life takes you. Just remember to keep Jesus first. Everything else will take care of itself.
Thank you to the Knights community for all the support and showing up at every game and being loud. I can’t tell you what that meant to the boys and our coaches. The “Knights Nation” really is the best.
To my coaches, thank you for all your hard work. These are some of my best buddies, Kenneth Woodley, Matthew Herreth, Denzel Brown, and the best AD in all the land, Jon Waldrop. Thank you for helping me try to find our edge every week. They were right there with me, fight ing, clawing, and pushing these boys to be their best. You guys will never be appreciated enough.
