News

The Christian Academy boys basketball team traveled to Clinton County, KY to play in the Twin Lakes Holiday Classic. The Centurions opened play against Anderson County and came out strong to begin the tournament with a 62-51 victory. Parker Jones was named the MVP for the game. The Centurions then had to play two games on Tuesday starting with Grant County; Christian Academy jumped out with a quick start and never looked backed in securing a 72-56 victory.

Greg Frist was named the MVP of the game. In the nightcap the Centurions faced the host team Clinton County. CAL came out fast and held a 7 point lead at the half. The second half saw both teams go back and forth in a physical battle. The home team of Clinton County put away the victory with a 53-45 win over the Centurions. On the last day of the tournament, CAL faced Metcalfe County. CAL came out with something to prove after the tough loss the night before. The Centurions jumped ahead quickly and never looked back in getting the 69-44 victory. K.C. Purvis was named MVP of the game. While going 3-1, CAL was runner-up in the Twin Lakes Classic.

Henry Co. Invitational
December 28th-30th

Christian Academy participated in the Henry County Invitational after Christmas. In the opening game, the Centurions faced the host school of Henry County. CAL jumped out to an early lead before seeing Henry County cut the halftime lead to just 3. CAL then responded to start the second half and took complete control of the game and went on to a 73-50 victory. In day two, CAL played East Jessamine in a semifinal game. CAL started out slow allowing East Jessamine to jump out to an early lead before settling in and taking control to come away with a 78-55 victory and a trip to the Championship game against Franklin County.

The Centurions faced Franklin County in the Championship on Wednesday. Franklin County came out hot and opened an early 26-16 lead against CAL. Christian Academy then settled down and cut the lead to 1 at the half. The second half saw the Centurions start to gradually pull away and go on to a 83-68 victory and capture the Championship.

While going 6-1 over the holiday break, the Centurions secured their spot in the annual LIT tournament that takes the top 20 teams in the Louisville area. CAL now stands at 10-4 on the season. CAL faces Waggener in the 1st round of LIT play on January 11th at 6:30pm.

For the week of December 30th, our 8th grade boys’ basketball team was very busy with three games — Shelby East Middle School, Crosby Middle School and East Oldham Middle School. Although we didn’t have any wins this week, the boys played hard and had a lesson of compassion!

After the game with East Oldham Middle School on Thursday night, the Oldham team members gave each 8th grade CAL player an envelope with $100 in it and the following note:

It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35
This cash is for you to share with anyone, an in any way, between now and Christmas Day. We hope you get caught up in the spirit of the season, which is giving with love.

Get creative and have fun with it. Give a large amount or several small amounts. Here are a few ideas: Make a care pack (toothbrush, toothpaste, snacks) find a homeless person to give it to – regardless of whether or not you think he “deserves” it. Everyone deserves to be loved. Leave an extra tip for your waitress. Buy flowers to give others. Buy a meal for someone. Make cookies for your local fire/police department, deliver them with love and gratitude.

Take advantage of the time you have to love others and be generous when you can. There is only one rule: you have to give it directly to the recipient. No middle men. No donations to a charitable organization. Merry Christmas to you.

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 NIV

What an incredible message! How blessed we are!

CAL jumped out to an early lead on the Glasgow Scotties on their way to a 53-12 victory. The win sets up a rematch with the team from across town this Friday night at home.

Glasgow won the toss and elected to receive. As has been the custom the last few week the defense welcomed the Scotties to Centurion field when Jake Paulson, Scotty Krantz and Nick Olsofka combined to sack quarterback Dessi Austin on the games second play. 

After the teams exchanged drives CAL scored first when Austin Carr handed the ball to Tanner Lopez who took it to the house for a 16 yard score. The Eric Quintin PAT was good, CAL 7 Glasgow 0. The Defense then added a touchdown when Logan Young intercepted the Austin pass returning it 19 yards. The PAT was good CAL 14 Glasgow 0.

Carr connected with Lopez in the 2nd qtr. for a 7 yard score. After the Kick, the score was CAL 21 – Glasgow 0. The Defense stepped up again when Cal Lewellyn intercepted the Scotties pass. Three plays later Carr hooked up with Paulson for a 34 yard score. The kick was good, CAL 28 Glasgow 0.

Glasgow was able to get on the scoreboard with a 56 yard, 7 play drive in the 2nd qtr. to make the score 28-6. CAL quickly struck back when Carr hooked up with Clay Davis for a 62 yard score down the visitors’ sideline. CAL 35- Glasgow 6.

Glasgow then took the ball and went 78 yards on 10 plays to make the score 35 -12. CAL offense was not done and before the half the team moved the ball 65 yards on 4 plays cumulating with Carr rolling to his right and finding Nick Weaver in the back of the end zone for an 11 yard score. At the half the score was 42-12.

In the second half, Eric Quintin added a 32 yard field goal to put CAL up 45 to 18. The offense followed this up with one more score with Anteneh Thompson carrying the ball 5 times and scoring on a 37 yard run. Final score CAL 52 – Glasgow 18.

The defense limited Glasgow to 172 yards on 9 first downs. Defense harassed the Glasgow offense all night with pressure coming from Scotty Krantz, Jake Paulson and Nick Olsokfa. Centurions had a season high 475 yards of offense with 23 first downs.

Stats:
Defense: Olsofka 14 tackles 1 sack, Paulson 11 tackles 3 sacks, Davis 10 tackles; Lewellyn & Young 1 interception and Young with 1 TD.
Special teams: Quintin 10 points, 7 xps & 1 FG; Brad Hickman 1 punt 35 yards.
Offense: Rushing – Lopez 121 yards & 1 TD, Thompson 55 yards & 1 TD; Receiving – Davis 121 yards & 1 TD, Lewellyn 74 yards, Lopez and Weaver 1 TD each; Passing – Carr 18 of 26 285 yards & 4 TDs.

WE need to SHOW the STATE who has the best fans this Friday night!!!!!!!!!

Grace Jennings – Tennis, Samford University 

Congratulations to senior Grace Jennings who signed a letter of intent to play tennis at Samford University.

Grace has attended CAL for 6 years and started playing tennis at the age of three. She won the KHSAA State Singles Championship in 2015.

Amy’s parents, Jeff and Amy Jennings, were emotional in speaking about the hard work and dedication it has taken Grace to achieve this level of success.

“I have seen the sacrifices Grace has made each day, year after year. She has always been blessed with incredible coaches. We are so proud of her,” said Jeff.

Jennings’ private tennis coach, Rob Spencer, also spoke to the work needed to be able to play at a Division 1 school and said, “I expect Grace to do extremely well at the next level.”

“I have been blessed with so many friends and coaches who have supported me over the years. I am extremely thankful to my parents who have been with me the entire way. My friends, coaches and parents have shaped who I am today,” said Jennings.

“When I first stepped on Samford’s campus it felt like home. It has a small town community feel while being in the big city that Birmingham is,” said Jennings.

Jennings also visited UAB, Western Carolina, Indiana and Western Kentucky University. Grace is undecided in her major and looks forward to playing for the bulldogs next fall.​

Cameron Brown – Swimming, University of Alabama

Congratulations to Cameron Brown, who signed a letter of intent to swim at the University of Alabama on Wednesday.

Brown started swimming at the age of 7 and has been at CAL for 5 years. She was named to the Scholastic all-American team, all region team, all state team, and is a state record holder. In addition, she is a 2-time NCSA junior national champion and is ranked nationally 3rd in the 400 freestyle relay and ranked 4th in the 200 freestyle relay.

CAL head swimming coach, Amy Albiero, attended the signing ceremony and praised Cameron for her dedication and hard work.

“People outside of the swim community don’t realize what the sport of swimming requires day in and day out, especially to pursue a Division I opportunity. The work starts at a very young age and the dedication and perseverance to get to this level speaks to Cameron’s character. I’ve enjoyed watching her get better and better each year. She is extremely competitive and is a humble winner. Cameron wins with a lot of grace,” said Coach Albiero.

Brown also made official visits to UNC, Kentucky, and Louisvillefor swimming before deciding to attend the University of Alabama.

“The University of Alabama is the perfect fit for me because it has everything I am looking for in a school and I believe that I will be able to reach my full potential there. I loved the atmosphere of the school and felt right at home with the team and coaches. I am super excited and ready to contribute to a swim program that is on the rise. I know Alabama will help me to develop as a swimmer, student, and person in order to achieve my goals,” said Brown.

Cameron plans to major in pre-med and study Biology and looks forward to swimming for the Crimson Tide next fall.

​Dana Joss – Lacrosse, Longwood University

Congratulations to senior Dana Joss who signed a letter of intent on Thursday to play lacrosse at Longwood University in Virginia.

Joss came to CAL in the 6th grade and started playing lacrosse at the age of 10. Dana has also been a member of the varsity soccer team for the Centurions since the 9th grade.

“Dana has worked extremely hard to get here. She is a tremendous athlete and leader. I first coached Dana when she was in 8th grade and she was so fast. She has just kept getting faster and faster,” said CAL assistant lacrosse coach, Sean Reding. “She is one of the best athletes to come out of Christian Academy.”

Dana’s father, Dan Joss, echoed Coach Reding’s comments regarding Dana’s athleticism.

“Dana has played a lot of sports and is a tremendous athlete. Once she settled on lacrosse, she pursued it with all of her heart. I could talk for hours about how proud we are of her for sticking with it and using her gifts,” said Mr. Joss.

Joss was on the Women’s Divisional National Team for Indiana/Kentucky her freshman and sophomore year, as well as named “Most Athletic Player” and co-MVP for the Centurion lacrosse team. Dana plans to major in History/Pre-Law at Longwood next year.

Hannah Howes – Softball, Georgetown College

Congratulations to Hannah Howes who signed a letter of intent to play softball at Georgetown College next year.

Friday’s signing ceremony was opened in prayer by teammate, Sam Thompson.

Hannah’s father, Josh Howes, shared Hannah’s journey, and how she has gotten to where she is today.

“Hannah started at a young age as a competitive gymnast. She started playing softball at the age of 12 and started out as catcher. She worked hard to learn the game and eventually ended up playing in the outfield. Her sophomore year, she decided to get serious about her hitting and spent hours upon hours in the cage. Today we celebrate her hard work,” said Mr. Howes.

“One word to describe Hannah is unique. Georgetown is getting a great player. She has excelled in the classroom as well as on the field. I wish her the best,” said CAL head softball coach, Kyle Mullin.

Howes also made unofficial visits to Ohio University, Ohio Dominican University, Travecca Nazarene University, Taylor University, Union University, West Virginia Wesleyan, and Milligan College.

Hannah concluded the signing ceremony by thanking her travel, hitting and CAL coaches. She also thanked her parents and teammates for supporting her along the way.

Howes was named Academic All-State and was a Region 7 All-Star and is also a member of the Centurion bowling team. Hannah plans to major in Exercise Science and looks forward to playing for the Tigers next fall.

​

With both the girls and boys teams narrowly missing qualifying for the KHSAA State Meet, the six individuals that did qualify made the most of their opportunity in competing with the best in the state. The girls race started first, with Clara Lynch and Maddie O’Dea representing the Centurions. As they have shown all season long, they proved that they were among the best in the state. As the starting gun sounded, both quickly settled into the top 10. Junior Clara patiently bided her time, waiting until the just past the 2K mark, before surging hard. Over the next half mile she strongly moved up to 3rd place, which she would hold all the way to the finish. With her place secure, the only thing to be decided was how fast would she run. Hannah Herd set the school record of 19:01 last year, on the way to her own 3rd place finish. Clara kept pressing all the way to the finish to chop 15 seconds off that record, with her time of 18:46.In addition to be a National Elite mark, the timeis one of the top 30 times ever runby a Kentucky girl,on the State Meet course. WhileClara was working on her 3rd place finish, Maddie was setting herself up to use her ferocious kick. As usual, she timeditperfectly, running the last half mile in the race faster than all but winner Lexington Catholic’s Mikayla Reinhart. Maddie kicked her way to 8th place in 19:23, to take over #3 on Christian Academy’s all-time list. Her time is also a National Elite mark, as well as earning All-State honors.

Next up was the boys race, which had a very young group of Christian Academy runners – 3 sophomores and 1 freshman. As he has done all season, Steven Ott led the way for the Centurions. Steven ran a very aggressive race, pulling himself in the last 200 meters into 15th place, the last All-State position. His time of 16:43 is the third fastest in school’s history and the fastest time run in a CAL uniform, since middle school teacher TJ Eubanks recorded 16:35, back in 2001. Only a sophomore, Steven’s future looks very promising. Samuel Hazelip and Jack-Harold Enyeart hit the finishing stretch together, before Samuel pulled a way slightly to lead his teammate 18:40 to 18:42. Freshman Charles Austin Sams gained valuable State Meet experience, to give the Centurions four veteran runners to make a run at a top 10 team finish next fall.

KHSAA Class 2A Cross Country State Meet – Christian Academy Results

Girls
3. Clara Lynch, 18:46.21 – PR, School Record, All-State
8. Maddie O’Dea, 19:23.46 – PR, All-State

Boys
15. Steven Ott, 16:43.84 – PR, All-State
122. Samuel Hazelip,18:40.73
125. Jack-Harold Enyeart, 18:42.02
161. Charles Austin Sams, 19:12.91

The 8th grade football team took to the field at Bryan Station High School in Lexington, Kentucky on Saturday to play in the semi-finals of the KYMSFA State Championship. Facing a well prepared Mayfield team, the boys were focused and determined to quickly get points on the board. After a run by Harrison Zimmerer and a pass from QB Grant Russell to Anthony Sabatino, the Centurions were in scoring position, and after a few missed attempts Russell was able to punch it in from the 1 yard line. A Russell pass to Luke Leeper was good for 2 extra points, and CAL took the lead at 8-0. The offensive line of Braeden Babin, Will Minrath, Stingray Miller, Henry Fetter and John Young did a great job blocking, but no scoring took place the rest of the first half. Both teams did their best to advance the ball, but the defense on both sides did their jobs to prevent any points.

Mayfield came out strong in the second half, and a series of pass plays resulted in them putting 6 on the board. CAL’s defense stood strong and prevented the extra point, so the Centurions stayed on top at 8-6. After a CAL fumble, Mayfield scored again, and after a successful extra point attempt the Centurions were now down 14-8. Now into the fourth quarter, the boys felt the pressure of time running out, and they rose to the occasion. After outstanding defense by John Young, Harrison Zimmerer, Austin Coleman, and Jake Taylor, Mayfield was forced to punt. Jacob Sutherland, who has been key in CAL’s punt returns all season, was back for the Centurions, and after catching the ball took off like a rocket. His team did their job blocking, and Sutherland flew to the end zone, tying the game up at 14-14. Russell looked for a pass to complete the extra point attempt, but quickly realized he had to make the run. Diving into the pylon in just the knick of time, Russell secured the 2 points, putting CAL up 16-14. With several minutes still remaining, Mayfield’s kickoff return team set up to receive, but after Zimmerer kicked an onside kick, CAL’s Nate Dobbs had a fantastic recovery, keeping the ball with CAL. Unable to secure a first down with three run plays, the Centurions set up to punt, but after taking the snap, Sabatino took off running, getting the first down, and allowing CAL to take three knees while the clock ran out. Cool heads, nerves of steel and great coaching all contributed to this win for the Centurions, and they left the field exhausted and exhilarated to be playing for the championship on Sunday.

On Sunday afternoon CAL took to the field for the last time this season, vying for the coveted championship trophy. Buoyed by their CAL football family cheering in the stands, they faced the Panthers of Pikeville, who had state championship dreams of their own. CAL received the ball and after not being able to get a first down, the Centurions were forced to punt and the Pikeville offense took over. Pikeville’s running game was strong and the Panthers were able to get a first down. They ran the ball one more time before attempting a pass play, which was picked off by Anthony Sabatino who ran it in for 6. QB Grant Russell’s pass to Luke Leeper was good for 2 extra points and CAL led 8-0. On their next drive Pikeville was able to score but their extra point attempt was thwarted by John Young. CAL wasn’t able to score on their next drive, and after Pikeville took over, the CAL defense went to work and Zimmerer put tremendous pressure on the Pikeville quarterback. A huge sack by Austin Coleman followed by two big hits by Young brought the Pikeville quarterback to his knees and closed out the first half.

The third quarter brought no scoring but in the fourth quarter both teams kicked it into high gear. A fumble recovery made by Russell put CAL in scoring position, and a pass from Sabatino to Jacob Sutherland in the end zone put another 6 points on the board for the Centurions. Russell’s pass to Zimmerer was good for an extra 2 points, and CAL now led 16-6. A long pass play on Pikeville’s next drive put them in scoring position, and they quickly completed a pass in the end zone that gave them another 6 points. The CAL defense stood strong and blocked the extra point attempt, and with 3 minutes left CAL led 16-12. Clock management became key, but with CAL unable to secure a second first down, Pikeville took back over with 54 seconds left in the game. After several incomplete passes there was 5 seconds left to play and the Pikeville quarterback completed a long pass. The CAL defense immediately tackled the receiver, ending the game with a CAL victory and a second straight 8th grade championship. A perfect ending to a fantastic season!

SAVE THE DATE! On Saturday, Nov. 21st the CAL Womens & Mens Basketball teams will host “Meet the Centurions”! This will be a fun night of contests, team scrimmages, prizes and the opportunity to kick off the CAL basketball season. The event is FREE and there will be a $5.00 chili supper prior to the event.

Meet the Centurions
Saturday, Nov. 21st
6:00-6:45  Chili supper (ES cafeteria)
7:00-8:30  Meet the Centurions (ES blue gym)

The varsity field hockey team won their second straight regional championship on Thursday night against the Ballard Bruins. Before making it to the championship game, the number one seeded Centurions had to defeat the South Oldham Dragons, which the ladies did in spectacular fashion on Tuesday night. As soon as the starting whistle blew, CAL’s offense took control, and Jacqueline Wilkins put in a great shot to make the score 1-0. A scoring frenzy continued, and before the half Wilkens scored another, Taylor Curran scored two, and Allie Grace Joyner and Claire Thomas each put in one of their own, putting the halftime score at 6-0. The second half brought more scoring action, with Curran putting two more in the cage, Sarah Young scoring one and Katie Jenkins putting in the final shot to end the game at 10-0. The following regional game between Ballard and KCD ended with Ballard coming out on top, setting up a repeat of last year’s regional championship between the Centurions and the Bruins.

Seeking to keep their regional title and wanting to avenge an overtime loss to Ballard earlier in the season, CAL took to the field focused and ready to win on Thursday night. With Ballard being this year’s host site, the Bruins had packed their stands with supporters, but all the Bruin pride in the place couldn’t shake our girls’ resolve and determination to win. The next 60 minutes of play brought out every bit of talent and teamwork CAL has developed throughout the season, and strong offensive skills and a resolute defense were what allowed the Centurions to come out on top. A back and forth offensive duel took place throughout the first half, with the score at halftime being 0-0. Coach Stanley Pulphagar’s remarks at halftime encouraged the girls to go out and get the job done, and early in the first half Allie Grace Joyner had success putting the first goal on the board after a fantastic pass by Jacqueline Wilkins. CAL’s offense kept at it, and after several missed shot attempts, Wilkins found herself one on one with the Ballard goal keeper and went in for the score. After the shot was blocked by the Ballard goal keeper Joyner was right there to follow up with shot number two, and her successful hit put the ball in the cage. CAL now led Ballard 2-0, and the Bruins tried to mount an offensive assault of their own. This is where the CAL defense went to work, blocking plays with all their strength and keeping the Ballard offense out of the CAL goal no matter what it took. Throughout the game, goal keepers Allison Edlin and Sam Minrath each had 8 amazing saves, and defender Brooke Jorgensen had 9 blocks, along with Laurel Dortch and Claire Thomas having 4 each. Defenders Savannah Moore and Rachel Proffitt also had outstanding performances, with midfielders Sarah Young, Morgan Weiss and Jamie Wright doing a great job moving the ball up to the forward offense. Alex Hill, Taylor Curran and Katie Jenkins all helped to keep the offense moving, and Mac Mellen was great pushing the ball down the field so the offense could do their job. This win was an absolute team effort, with each player bringing all their talent and intensity and leaving it all out on the field. When the buzzer sounded, a well deserved celebration ensued, with All Tournament Team recognition going to Allison Edlin, Sam Minrath and Brooke Jorgensen. Next stop is the first round of the State Tournament!

On Saturday the ladies took to the field at Bellarmine University for the semi-finals of the state tournament. The Amazons of Collegiate were ready to avenge a regular season overtime loss to CAL, and despite being a number one seed, the Centurions knew they couldn’t take a win for granted. After a shaky start the team settled in to an offensive rhythm and Jacqueline Wilkins had a great pass to Allie Grace Joyner for the first score on the board. At the start of the second half a heavy downpour of rain arrived, and both teams struggled to complete passes and take shots. Collegiate capitalized on a corner penalty play and tied the game up with a high shot, and within the first nine minutes of the game they had pulled ahead after a sloppy shot made its way into the CAL cage. The Centurion offense went to work, with Joyner, Wilkins and Taylor Curran each taking over 10 shots on goal, but nothing would connect to tie the game. With one minute left in regulation, CAL knew it was now or never, and Jacqueline Wilkins again sent in a perfect pass, this time to Curran who made it count, tying the game at 2-2 and sending it into overtime. A 10 minute, 7 versus 7 sudden victory period ensued, and after nine minutes the game was still tied 2-2. Collegiate had one corner play, which was blocked with an incredible save by Allison Edlin. After two back to back penalty corner plays, Jamie Wright sent a fantastic pass to Claire Thomas, who was perfectly placed at the post and put in the winning goal. It was a fight to the finish, and CAL now heads to the quarter-finals of the state tournament for only the second time in school history. This is our time! GO CAL!

Varsity Volleyball District 28 play took place at Kentucky Country Day this week, and the Centurions showed up ready to make a statement.

CAL faced Ballard in the first match. In game one, the Bruins stayed close in early play, but after five screaming serves by Kasey Wilmsmeyer, three by Caroline Rassenfoss, and another three by Hadley Trenaman, CAL built an eight point lead. Ballard made a bit of a run with some hard hits, but could never quite recover, losing the game by nine points. Game two started with another string of accurate serves by Abby Davis and a pair of hard kills by Jill Von Hoven that built the score to 5-0. Ballard came alive and nearly caught up at 9-8, but again CAL turned it on with accurate serving and a pair of sweet stuffs by Hannah Wilhite for a nine point win. By game three, it appeared the Bruins had thrown in the towel and never again posed a challenge for CAL, who won the match (25-16, 25-14, 25-16).

Tuesday night, CAL came ready for a grudge match against staunch rivals, the Eastern Eagles, especially since CAL won a five-game dogfight with the Eagles earlier in the year. Kate Amin made a great kill to start game one, but a rotation error call gave the point to Eastern for the early lead, which they held until 6’s. Ties ensured from 6’s to 17’s and then again at 20’s, but four floating serves by Jill, a Kasey stuff, and a Caroline block finished the game with a five point lead. In game three, Eastern again maintained the lead until about 5’s, but an awesome five-serve run by Kasey, including two aces, allowed CAL to take charge. Casey Jane Mann dominated mid-game with a decisive stuff, a double-block with Hannah, and kill from the middle. A long eight-point serving run by Kate, a pair of kills by Jill, and a final ace serve by Kasey sealed the deal with CAL winning by 12 points. Not going down without a fight, Eastern came on strong in game 3. With the score tied at 3’s, serving runs by Kate and Caroline, allowed CAL to build a six point lead. After a time-out, Eastern stormed back pulling the score within one point at 10-9, but a Hadley-Kate-Caroline combo and a couple of Abby’s awesome short serves, built a three point margin momentarily. Eastern went on another long push tying the score at 18’s. This sparked a fire in Jill, who made three hard kills in a row to help establish a three point lead, 22-19. Back up to serve, Abby brought the score to 24-21. An Eastern hit off a CAL block added a point to their score, but a final Kasey serve followed by a definitive kill by Caroline ended the game and match with CAL as the District 28 winners (25-20, 25-13, 25-22). Way to go ladies! Congratulations also go to Kate Amin, Caroline Rassenfoss, and Hadley Trenaman, who were named to the All-District team.

Regional play starts at home against Manual on Monday (10/26) night. Sure to be exciting, come out and cheer on the Volleyball Centurions.