FLOWERY BRANCH — Sometimes you have to take a step back to move ahead three steps.
The Lanier Christian Academy football team is hoping that the 2020 season is that small step as they continue to try and build its fledgling program.
Last year, the Lightning were coming off a 2018 playoff appearance in the GAPPS 11 league, but a youthful roster and tough schedule saw them slide back to a 3-7 record. Now, their 2020 season, like everyone else in the nation, was derailed by the COVID-19 virus causing a drop in numbers.
As a result, they chose to drop down to the GAPPS 8-man league. Add in a new coach in Heath Kennedy, and it should make for an interesting campaign as they try to continue what they were hoping would be a climb up the classification ladder.
“The morale is high with the kids here,” said Kennedy, who takes over the program from the school’s athletics director, Blake Anderson. “We’re going to have to grind this year but I’m excited about the direction of this program."
The Lightning will actually be the first area school to open its season when they play host to Kings Way Friday night at the Gainesville Middle School.
LCA does return some talent at key positions, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Senior quarterback Andrew Perry, who accounted for more than 1,100 yards of offense last season, returns as does senior fullback Isaiah Williams.
“Andrew’s a very smart kid,” Kennedy said. "Isaiah is able to cut on a dime and really came on last season as a primary back. He plays very well in space.”
On the line, freshman Cade Reed will join guards Quinn Winfrey and Gabe Jaramillo.
Kennedy said building for the immediate and long-term future are the goals.
"We are believing for great things both on the field and off the field," Kennedy said. "We have a strong middle school program that we hope to continue to develop."
LANIER CHRISTIAN ACADEMY: NEED TO KNOW
- MASCOT: Lightning
- TEAM COLORS: Royal Blue, White
- CURRENT REGION: GAPPS Region 1
- HEAD COACH/RECORD AT SCHOOL: Heath Kennedy, first season
- 2019 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 3-7
- KEY LOSSES: FB/TE-Spencer Sanderson, RB/OLB Gray Stephenson, RB/MLB Charlie Vera-Cavadas
- OFFENSIVE STYLE: Option: Kennedy’s offensive coordinator coach David Stephens is a seasoned coach who does a great job utilizing personal to gain production offensively.
- KEY OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: Sr. QB Andrew Perry, Sr. RB Isaiah Williams, Sr. WR Wyatt Cash
- DEFENSIVE STYLE: 2-3: The Lightning will run a base 2-3 and utilize multiple looks in the defensive package to maximize the program's strengths.
- KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS: Jr. N/DE Gabe Jaramillo, So. MLB Isaac Dinn, So. CB/LB Carter Raulerson
- SPECIAL TEAMS: So. Luke Hopkins, Fr. Jackson Barnett
- STRENGTH: Senior leadership: Playing an 8-man football schedule, the seniors are providing much-needed leadership for players who have to step up this season.
- QUESTION: Transition: With a change in the coaching staff, it takes some time to acclimate so early on it will be crucial to build morale and momentum this season.
- KEY GAMES: Every game is an opportunity to "compete," Kennedy said. They should have some opportunities for wins right out of the gate with games against Kings Way, Holy Spirit Prep, and Horizon Academy.
- TRENDING: The Lightning were coming off a playoff appearance in 2018 but the youth in key spots in 2019 was too much to overcome as they took a step back in the win column. The COVID-19 virus did not help coming into the 2020 season as the numbers dropped off forcing the program to drop down to an 8-man league. But if things stabilize in 2020, and projected numbers for the school continue to rise, it could be just a temporary move down for the Lightning as they attempt to climb up the classification ladder in the coming years.
2020 SCHEDULE
Aug. 28 King’s Way
Sept. 4 Holy Spirit
Sept. 11 at Horizon Christian Academy
Sept. 25 Covington**
Oct. 2 Fideles
Oct. 9 at Pinecrest
Oct. 16 Johnson Ferry Christian
Oct. 23 at Cherokee Christian
Oct. 30 at Unity Christian
(All kickoffs scheduled for 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted)
(LCA home games played at Gainesville Middle School)
