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BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Maybe it was jitters or the cold weather or the rain, but the Christian Academy football team wasn’t itself during the first half of Sunday’s Russell Athletic Class 2-A state championship game.

The Centurions led 2-0 at halftime but managed just two first downs and 63 yards of offense over the first 24 minutes of action.

“The mood in there was so down,” coach Stefan LeFors said of the locker room at halftime. “It was like we were down 28-0.”

But with the help of two stellar sophomores, the Centurions found their groove in the second half and picked up the first state title in school history.

Austin Carr threw a pair of touchdown passes to Milton Wright and Wright added a TD pass of his own as CAL defeated Danville 24-6 in front of 5,169 fans at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium.

A CAL program that began varsity play in 1998 and lost its first 15 games now can call itself a state champion.

“It’s crazy,” said Wright, who finished the season with 27 touchdowns. “It’s a great feeling to say, ‘Hey, my seniors got to go out on top. My family got to go out on top.’ It’s pretty cool.”

CAL opened this season with a 41-14 loss to Class 6-A stalwart Simon Kenton before reeling off 14 straight victories.

A 44-14 victory over eventual Class 3-A runner-up Central on Sept. 2 got the Centurions going, and back-to-back victories over 2-A powers DeSales and Mayfield sealed CAL’s first trip to a state final.

“Beating Central the way we did really opened my eyes,” LeFors said. “I knew we had a special bunch, but we still had some young guys in some key spots that had to grow up quick. Throughout the course of the year they got better, better and better and capped off a great season with a state championship.”

But it came with some struggle Sunday.

CAL punted on its first four possession and managed to get on the scoreboard first only after a high snap on a Danville punt attempt went through the end zone, giving the Centurions a 2-0 lead at the 9:09 mark of the second quarter.

Danville (12-3) managed 119 yards of offense in the first half but missed two field-goal tries and had a pass intercepted by CAL’s Ryan Lagestee.

Wright credited the coaching staff with lifting the team’s spirits during halftime.

“It was like, ‘Hey, we have something to do, and we have to do it right now,’” Wright said. “The coaches showed leadership and said, ‘We’re going to change this, this and this, and we’re going to get the job done.’”

Anteneh Thompson got CAL going by returning the opening kickoff of the second half 38 yards to the Danville 47-yard line. Six plays later Carr found Wright on a post route for a 27-yard touchdown pass. Wright bounced off two Danville defenders at the 10-yard line before getting into the end zone.

“Milton is one of the best receivers in in the state, and we work well together,” Carr said. “We’ve been working for this since the seventh grade, so I knew when coach called the play who I was going to throw to.”

Another safety gave CAL an 11-0 lead with 4:26 left in the third quarter, and 31 seconds later Carr hit Wright for a 45-yard touchdown pass and a 17-0 lead.

“It was a tale of two halves,” Danville coach Clay Clevenger said. “In the first half we were able to move the ball some and were in pretty good down and distance and field position, and we weren’t able to capitalize. In the third quarter it was flipped and they got us backed up and we made some mistakes, and they were able to capitalize.”

CAL put the game away early in the fourth quarter. On fourth-and-goal at the 7-yard line, Wright lined up at quarterback in the Wildcat formation. He rolled to his right and found Nick Weaver for a touchdown pass and a 24-0 lead.

It was the second TD pass of the season for the versatile Wright, who scored touchdowns multiple ways throughout the year (17 receiving, four punt returns, three interception returns, two kickoff returns and one rushing).

“Coach called a little pass play, and I was like, ‘Oh, OK, let’s do it then,’” Wright said with a smile. “I’m glad I got to get the ball to Nick Weaver, and he got the job done.”

For LeFors, the former University of Louisville quarterback, it was a thrilling finish to his sixth season as CAL’s head coach.

“You hear so many other champions say it: ‘Once you get that first one you’re so much more hungry for the next one,’ so I am,” LeFors said. “But I definitely want to enjoy this one with these guys.”

Article by Jason Frakes, Posted 12-4-16 http://usatodayhss.com/2016/cal-beats-danville-for-first-state-title

Christian Academy will be playing Danville High School in the KHSAA Class 2A State Championship this Sunday, December 4th at Western Kentucky University/L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, KY.

CAL is the home team and we are asking all fans to wear RED! Show your spirit by wearing a red hat, scarf, gloves, etc. 

Game time 
Sunday, December 4th, kickoff at 1:30pm (EST)

Tickets
Discounted pre-sale tickets ($10.00) can be purchased early during the following times:
High School Break – Tues ( 11-29), Wed (11-30), Thurs (12-1) and Fri (12-2)  
Centurion Armory  –  Tues (11-29), Wed (11-30), Thurs (12-1) and Fri (12-2) from 2:30-4pm.

General Admission on Gameday – $12.00 (age 6 & under is free)
NO KHSAA/COACHING PASSES WILL BE ACCEPTED

Stadium/Parking Info
CAL will be the home team and occupy the home side of the stadium. Parking lots on WKU campus will charge either $5 or $10 for parking, depending on proximity to the stadium.

Fan Buses (all buses are Coach buses)
Tickets for a student bus (HS students only) and a fan/family* bus will be available for purchase during above mentioned pre-sale ticket times during high school break and in the Centurion Armory.  

Bus ticket price is $15.00/person
HS Student bus – 92 seats available (first come, first serve)
CLICK HERE for student bus permission slip (must have permission form completed before being permitted on bus)
Fan/Family bus* – 55 seats available (first come, first serve)
*Must be at least 19 years old or accompanied by a parent/guardian to ride fan/family bus

Buses will leave at 10am (EST) from English Station campus on Sunday, Dec. 4th.

Broadcasts
Listen to the game LIVE at www.livesportscaster.com.  Search Christian Academy of Louisville and listen for FREE.

KHSAA will also live stream the game for $10 at www.khsaa.org. Click on KHSAA.tv (streaming) and mixir.com/KHSAA (audio).

GO CAL!  TAKE STATE!

Come shop for Christmas at the 12 Days of Christmas Sale in the Armory! Discounts every day until Christmas break!

Christian Academy will host Mayfield in the fourth round KHSAA playoff football game this Friday, November 25th at Centurion Stadium.

Game time 
Friday, November 25th, kickoff -7:30pm
Gates open at 6pm

Tickets
Tickets can be purchased early during high school break on Mon (11-21) & Tues (11-22) or in the Centurion Armory on Tues (11-22) Open 2:30-4pm.
General Admission – $6.00 (age 10 & under is free)

Special Notes
-No outside food or drink is allowed inside Centurion Stadium.
-Backpacks will not be allowed inside Centurion Stadium.  Purses and other small bags may be randomly searched by security personnel prior to entrance into the stadium.
-No tobacco products are allowed on Christian Academy's campus

Go CAL, STATE BOUND!

Christian Academy will host DeSales High School in the third-round KHSAA playoff football game this Friday, November 18th at Centurion Stadium.

Game time 
Friday, November 18th, kickoff 7:30pm
Gates open at 6pm

Tickets
Tickets can be purchased early in the Centurion Armory on Wed (11/16) from 2:30-4pm, on Thurs (11/17) from 2:30-4pm, and Fri (11/18) from 2:30-7pm.
General Admission – $6.00 (age 10 & under is free)

Special Notes
-No outside food or drink is allowed inside Centurion Stadium.
-Backpacks will not be allowed inside Centurion Stadium.  Purses and other small bags may be randomly searched by security personnel prior to entrance into the stadium.
-No tobacco products are allowed on Christian Academy's campus

Go CAL, STATE BOUND!

Saturday was a day that made history. The girls Cross Country team won the first State Title in CAL Athletic History; beating Highlands High School from the Cincinnati area who has won the title for the last 4 consecutive years, the CAL girls beat them by 30 points. The goal that was set in July as the girls ran over 500 miles each this summer to prepare for this difficult task, they accomplished what they set out to do.

Clara Lynch, senior, led the team to this victory on Saturday; she quotes “This season has been one to remember, that's for sure. Our team really bonded these last few months as this goal became a reality and the date of state got closer and closer.” And that's just what they did, they came together as a true team. As the gun went off, Clara Lynch, Kaylee Wilson, Maddie O’Dea and Adelaide Ensor went out strong while Maddie Bevin and Ivy Porter raced together not far behind, with Jessica Wellum trailing behind them. Throughout the race, many strategic moves were made but the closeness of the girls at the finish is what brought them on top. Clara, Kaylee & Maddie O'Dea all placed in the top 10 to lead the way and earn All-State honors. Adelaide narrowly missed a spot on the podium as an individual, but still earned All-State honors from the KTCCCA (cross country coaches association).  Maddie B and Ivy both set PR's and placed in the top 40 to sew up the State Championship for the Lady Centurions. Jessica finished with her season's best with her 22:51. Joslyn Porter, Rebecca Day and Taylor Moon served as alternates at the State Meet.

The boys race was a success as well. Steven Ott ran a stellar race, finishing third overall. His strategy to sit back in the pack the first half of the race and move up was followed through, moving up from 23rd to 8th to 5th then to finishing at 3rd place. Alex McClarty from North Oldham, who barely beat Ott at Regionals, didn't respond when Ott made his move, passing McClarty at the two mile. His performance matches the second best individual boy finish in school history – equaling middle school Bible teacher TJ Eubanks' 3rd place from 2001, as well as earning All-State honors. Alex Aulick also had an incredible race, passing teammates Jacob Miller, Sam Hazelip, and Jack Harold Enyeart, pulling them along to help them place well, too.  John Patterson also represented the Centurions at State, running one of his best races of the season. Freshman Josh Starmer was scheduled to compete, but had the misfortune of fracturing a bone in his leg, only 2 days before the meet. But he competed well this season and has set himself up well for a good high school career.

 This season was one of great success and the path has been set for continued high finishes in the coming seasons. A few of the runners will be racing some post-season national meets as individuals but as a team, they have closed out this season with the greatest accomplishment- CAL’s first state title and a family bond that will last through the ages.

Christian Academy of Louisville senior Clara Lynch is a standout distance runner for the Centurions’ cross country and track teams. Last November she finished third in the Class 2-A state cross country meet. Then, in the late spring, she was second in the 3,200-meter run at the 2-A track & field state meet.

Q: How, and when, did you start running?  I started in kindergarten. My mom was probably my biggest inspiration for that. We used to go to her marathons and I’d always watch her run. It was funny because I used to do swimming and so when I first started swimming I cried all the time, but my mom said, ‘If I see one tear with running we’re done,’ and it never happened. When I came around the corner (the first time) I was like, ‘Look mom I’m sweating.’ So that was kind of the start of it.

How has this season been going?  It’s a little bit tough, not where I’ve been wanting to be. I’ve been having great workouts, (but) the races just haven’t been as great. I’ve just been kind of tired. It kind of comes with senior year it seems. But I think these last few races I’m going to make the most of them. We just had a really great workout (Monday) and I felt good, I ran well. That’s really encouraging for my mental state. I’m hoping to go out with a bang.

What do you like about running? There’s just some sort of freedom in it. Obviously I’m a Christian, I go to a Christian school, but I feel His pleasure when I run so that’s a really cool feeling. It’s such a team sport too and I’ve met some of my best friends on the team.

You want to run in college, do you know where yet?  I have a few top choices. One of them is Liberty University in Virginia, and then two of my dream schools are Alabama and Ole Miss. I’ve been running for almost 13 years so hopefully I can go Division 1. Liberty’s beautiful, I’ve been on a visit there…that’s my top choice right now.

What do you want to major in at college?  English education. I’d like to teach high school.

And then be a track/cross country coach too?  Hopefully. That would be the dream.

You said you mom is a big runner, did you two ever run against each other?  Oh yes. I can remember when I was little and she said, ‘My personal best is 7:11 for the mile,’ and just trying to beat that. I guess that’s one of our first memories of racing each other.

Do you two still run together today?  We do. When it’s the offseason and we don’t have practice every day. It’s one of my favorites. She always goes, ‘I don’t want to hold you back or anything,’ and I (say), ‘You’re not holding me back. It’s not about that.’

Your region meet is Saturday at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve, what are your expectations?  In elementary school one of the first races that I ran was Rumble through the Jungle (at Creasey), so it’s kind of cool to finish out the season, well not fully finish, but have one of the last meets there. Time-wise I’m hoping for a good time. It’s a great course, one of my favorites. We’re hoping to do something big as a team (too).

Article posted 10/26/16 http://usatodayhss.com/2016/qa-cal-cross-country-runner-clara-lynch?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Wake Forest outside hitter Caroline Rassenfoss was named the Freshman of the Week Monday afternoon, the league announced. The outside hitter recorded a career-high 26 kills in a road win against Virginia on Friday.

The award is the Demon Deacons’ first weekly award since teammate Caroline Wolf received Co-Player of the Week in October of last season. Kylie Long was the last Demon Deacon to receive the ACC Freshman of the Week accolade when she received the honor in November of 2014.

The Louisville, Ky.-native had a stellar week on offense, recording a career-best 20 kills in the team’s ACC-opener against Duke. She then upped her recently set career-best to 26 kills in a 3-1 victory over Virginia. Rassenfoss totaled a .523 attack percentage and three solo blocks in the match as well. She finished the weekend with 46 kills and a .333 hitting percentage while her 26 kills were the most by a Demon Deacon in a single match this season

“’Rass’ has been playing a critical role in our team's evolution. She’s taking a huge number of swings and getting closer and closer to being a "shut-down blocker,” said first-year head coach Bill Ferguson. “It's wonderful to see her recognized for the work she's putting in. She's an extraordinary young woman with a bright future ahead of her and good things ahead. I'm thrilled she's a Deac!”

Rassenfoss has recorded a team-leading 199 kills this season. Her 3.75 kills/set average is good for fifth in the ACC. The freshman also has 18 service aces which leads the Demon Deacons and is positioned eighth in the ACC.

The Deacs continue play on the road this week, taking on Louisville on Friday at 7 p.m. and Notre Dame on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Posted 9-26-16 http://www.wakeforestsports.com/sports/w-volley/spec-rel/092616aaa.html?utm_source=wakeforest.sportsprss.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=wakeforest.sportsprss.com

She started playing hockey at the Y in third grade, partly field and partly goal keeper. By 5th grade, she found her home in the cage and never turned back to the field. CAL developed a team that year that stayed together and went on to be city champs in 7th grade and runner up for State JV as eighth graders. The CAL hockey program has grown leaps and bounds over the last 6 years and all the players have prospered.

Sam does not store her gear when the school season is over. She in facts plays hockey 50 weeks out of the year and loves every second of it. "I have played for IFHCK (club) from u12-19 and can't count how many tournaments I have been too." Last year at u19 national indoor tournament she was noticed by the US head coach and asked to try out for the upcoming year! A huge honor, she was ecstatic to make the 19 hour drive for a 7 hour practice weekend. "Words can not describe how happy I was to get the email saying I was on the summer training schedule! I have traveled to Pennsylvania now 7 weekends for practices and given up social activities and finished homework and art projects in the long car rides but I would not change it for the world." She has desired to wear a USA jersey and looks forward to this winter being able to do just that. She is the first Kentucky player ever to be named to a US National field hockey team and is honored to represent Kentucky and Christian Academy.

Recently, she has been 1 of 15 girls selected for make a Junior squad to practice this winter for the European squad which will travel to Scotland in January. It is comprised of mostly u19 with a few u17 players. "I am just so happy this door has opened and I look forward to what God has in store for me in the coming year(s)." She knows it will be challenging to maintain schoolwork with her travel schedule but knows all things are possible with Christ by her

The Southern Athletic Association (SAA) released its Football Player of the Week awards on Monday afternoon, with Centre freshman cornerback Cal Lewellyn (Louisville, Ky.) garnering Defensive Player of the Week accolades.

This marks the first Player of the Week nod for Lewellyn, who made eight tackles to go with a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a pair of pass breakups in the Colonels' 39-28 victory over Washington (Mo.) on the road on Saturday afternoon.

Lewellyn's forced fumble was one of Centre's four turnovers in the win. He stripped Marcus Ramspott after a 36-yard completion from quarterback J.J. Tomlin late in the second quarter.

Starting as a freshman at cornerback, Lewellyn has made 15 tackles with 1.5 tackles for loss as well as three pass breakups this season.

Lewellyn and the Colonels are back in action on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 1:30 p.m. at Farris Stadium.

Cal Lewellyn is a 2016 CAL Graduate.

Posted Sept.19, 2016 http://www.centrecolonels.com/sports/fball/2016-17/releases/20160919phrs55