Sarah Rhodes Signs to Play Lacrosse at Asbury University
Congratulations to senior, Sarah Rhodes, who signed a letter of intent to play lacrosse for Asbury University on Wednesday.
“I fell in love with Asbury the first visit. I love the family atmosphere throughout the university, and I love having the ability to grow in Christ and lacrosse while receiving a great education,” said Rhodes.
CAL head girls’ lacrosse coach, John Anderson, was unable to attend the signing ceremony due to a work commitment. Former CAL lacrosse coaches, Tony Semak and Stewart Bailey, spoke on his behalf.
“Sarah has such a beautiful heart. She pushes herself and is passionate. Being a goalie is hard…it takes a person with a lot of grit and mental strength as well as physical strength. Sarah has all of those attributes,” said coach Semak.
Coach Bailey also praised Rhodes for her willingness to step up to challenges and build her game during the off season.
Asbury head girls’ lacrosse coach, Rich Manieri, said, “We recruit people more than athletes. What impresses me most about Sarah is her character. It takes a special person to stand in as goalie. Sarah is that kind of person. I’ve watched her improve over this last year and I’m excited about her joining our lacrosse program.”
Sarah’s parents, Tom and Kathy Rhodes, thanked Christian Academy and her coaches for all of their support.
“A lot of people have sacrificed their time for me. Their sacrifice has helped me become a better player,” said Sarah.
Sarah began playing lacrosse in the 8th grade and was a varsity starter last year and named All-District. She plans to major in Biology and looks forward to playing for the Eagles next fall.
CAL Cheerleaders Win Region!
Congratulations to the CAL varsity cheerleading team who won the 7th Region cheerleading competition this past Saturday. They will compete on Saturday, December 13th in the State cheerleadging competition in Lexington. Good Luck Centurions!
Centurion Armory 12 Days of Christmas Sale
The Centurion Armory Presents…
12 Days of Christmas Savings
Dec. 2-19
Open Tuesday-Friday 2:30-4pm
DAY 1 (Dec. 2): 15% off ALL polos
DAY 2(Dec. 3): $5 OFF stadium seats
DAY 3 (Dec. 4): 10% OFF All Hats & Accessories
DAY 4 (Dec. 5): 20% OFF All youth apparel*
DAY 5 (Dec. 9): RED OUT*—15% off any red item
DAY 6 (Dec. 10): BLUE OUT* – 15% off any ROYAL blue item (navy blue items not included)
DAY 7 (Dec. 11): FREE grey Nike Team tshirt w/any purchase
DAY 8 (Dec. 12): Teacher/Staff Appreciation Day – 15% OFF for all staff/teachers
DAY 9 (Dec. 16): 20% OFF Uniform approved crewneck sweatshirts & fleece jackets
DAY 10 (Dec. 17): 10% OFF your total purchase
DAY 11 (Dec. 18): 2014 Nike Red Team tshirts $15.00 (reg. $18.00)
DAY 12 (Dec. 19): 10% OFF any Nike item
*Excludes stadium seats & uniform approved crewneck sweatshirts & fleece jackets
CAL Battles DeSales in Quarterfinals This Friday
CAL Rushes Past Bardstown to Quarterfinals
Coming off a playoff bye week CAL took the field to face the Bardstown Tigers in a rematch of an early game won by CAL. The Centurions took the opening kickoff and the rust from a week off and only two games during the past month showed early. The offense bogged down during its first two drives going three and out on both. The CAL defense, led by Jake Paulson, Bill Jessee and Cody Morton held the Tigers in check during the first quarter of play. Bardstown let it been known early and often that No. 14 was going to be the key to their success. Both teams held strong on early drives. The Tigers went up 3-0 on a field goal keyed by a big tackle from Scotty Krantz and Jake Paulson on a third and 7 from the CAL nine yard line. The Centurions took the kickoff and marched down the field behind the blocks of the offensive line of Jed Clay, Scotty Krantz, Evan Wilson, Cam Smith and Michael Lagestee. Nick Payne picked up hard fought yards and a 21 yard pass from Tanner Young to Jake Paulson moved the ball to the Bardstown 13 yard line. Nick Payne scored on the next play behind blocks from line as well as Chuck Williams and Cal Lewellyn to see CAL go up 6-3. Nathan Bader added a field goal in the second quarter to move CAL to a 9-3 lead heading to halftime.
Bardstown took the second half kickoff and slowly marched down the field on a 15 play drive ending in a score to move ahead 10-9 midway through the third quarter. The season was on the line and time was drawing short. CAL took the kickoff and on the second play of the drive Tanner Young found Clay Davis for a 32 yard reception over the middle of the field. Facing second and 10 from the 38 yard line, Young took the snap and fired a quick pass to Cal Lewellyn. What happened next was the play of the year for CAL. Lewellyn broke a tackle, spun to break another tackle, ran through the safety, high stepped over a diving tackle attempt, hugged the sideline and dodged the last Bardstown defender for a 38 yard touchdown to reclaim the lead and the momentum as CAL moved ahead 16-10.
The defense again took the field and gave the fans what the Centurion faithful have come to expect. The defense stiffened. The hits got harder. The gains were shorter. The scoring was over by Bardstown. The defensive effort was led by Chuck Williams (10 tackles and fumble recovery), Cody Morton (10 tackles), Cal Lewellyn (8), Bill Jessee (7), Jake Paulson (6 tackles and 3 sacks), Michael Lagestee ((6 tackles and 1 sack), Jed Clay (4), Scotty Krantz (3), Nick Olsafka (3 tackles and 1 sack), Cade Sparrow (4) and Clay Davis (3). CAL held Bardstown to 10 points (its second lowest production of the season) and 186 total yards.
Bardstown took over after CAL moved ahead 16-10 but the drive was ended quickly when linebacker Chuck Williams recovered a Bardstown fumble at midfield as the third quarter was winding down. The Centurions pounded the Tiger defense with bruising carries by Nick Payne. A five yard run by Payne was followed by a six yard reception by Lewellyn and several more Payne runs. Chuck Williams picked up a huge third down gain close to the goal line and the drive was finished off with a two yard sweep touchdown by Payne as Paulson and Williams guided him into the end-zone. CAL ended the scoring with another TD by Payne on a 14 yard cut back across the middle as the Centurions went up 29-10. Payne finished the game with 169 yards on 29 carries and three touchdowns. Quarterback Tanner Young was an efficient and effective 9-16 passing for 150 yards and one touchdown. Cal Lewellyn led the receivers with 5 receptions for 70 yards and one touchdown followed by Jake Paulson (3-48), and Clay Davis (1-32). CAL won 29-10.
Riley Thompson Signs to Play Baseball at UL
Congratulations to senior, Riley Thompson, who signed a letter of intent to play baseball for the University of Louisville Cardinals today. Thompson verbally committed to UL as a sophomore.
“Riley is the first player I’ve had at this level of talent. I won’t be surprised to see him pitch 95mph or 96mph this season. I consider Coach Dan McDonnell a friend, and I can’t think of a better place for a young man to go for his college career. UL’s baseball program is second to none and I know Riley’s going to be in good hands,” said CAL head baseball coach, Tim Brown.
Thompson came to CAL in the 6th grade and has played for Coach Brown and the Centurions since his 8th grade year.
“I chose Louisville because it is just a good fit for me,” said Riley. “It’s a great program and close to home so my family can come watch me play.”
Riley’s parents, Dennis and Susie Thompson, thanked Coach Brown and all of Riley’s coaches for their support. “We pray that Riley uses his gift to glorify God,” said Mr. Thompson.
Thompson thanked his friends and family who came from all over the state to attend the signing ceremony. CAL Director of Athletics, Brad Morgan, after reminding Riley that he will always be a part of the CAL Athletic family, closed the ceremony in prayer.
Thompson was named 7th region player of the year last season as a junior. He is undecided on his major and looks forward to playing for the Cardinals next fall.
Football Playoffs Kickoff This Friday Night
Girls Cross Country Race to Second Straight State Runner-Up Title!
The Lady Centurion Cross Country Team followed up last week’s Regional win, with an outstanding race at the Kentucky State Horse Park, to defend their State Runner-Up Title. The girls team has now placed in the top 3 at State in three of the las tsix years. It was a spectacular way to end the season, as the team had its best race when it counted the most.The pre-season rankings only had the Lady Centurions ranked 8th and spent most of the season outside the top 5.While flying under the rest of the state’s radar, the girls quietly put in the work to be ready for the races that really matter- Regional & State.Even with the convincing win over two of the top teams in the state, North Oldham and Collins, at the Region 3 Championships, still the Centurions got little attention. Most predicted the team to come in 4th. The girls were content to show what they were capable of on the race course.
Lining up in the box right beside 2-time defending State Champion Highlands, the girls were able to keep a close eye on the prohibitive favorite. As the gun went off, all the girls got right in to their own individual race plans. For senior Hannah Herd that meant a conservative opening 2K, before launching her attack at a top finish position. As she has done so many times, she executed flawlessly, as she quickly surged into the top 10.With 800 to go, Hannah pulled up alongside one of the state’s most decorated runners -Paducah Tighlman’s Aleja Grant – and then preceded to put 13 seconds on her to an outstanding 3rd place finish. Hannah’s effort won her recognition from the KHSAA, as she was given the “National Guard KHSAA State Championship Best & Brightest Award”. Hannah’s time of 19:01 broke Jenna Rogers’ school record by an amazing 27 seconds. Sophomore Clara Lynch ran a very strong race on the challenging course to put the Lady Centurions in the hunt for the State Title. Clara’s 13th place finish in a time of 20:05, earned her 2nd straight cross country All-State honor. As they have much of the season, Madalyn O’Dea and Callie Donaldson raced side-by-side for most of the race. Mad-O’s scorching kick gained several valuable places in the last 50 meters as she finished 26th, with Callie following closely in 30th. Junior Kenzie Stovall had her best race of the season, with her 95th place wrapping up the scoring for the Centurions. In the end, Highlands depth enabled them to escape the scare from our team, taking the win with 107 points to Christian Academy’s 140. The strength of Region 3 was seen as North Oldham and Collins swept the remaining podium spots. Freshman Morgan McIntire gained valuable State experience, with her 23:59 run and Maddie Luette wrapped her her high school cross country career with a strong 25:28. The four seniors, Hannah, Callie, Maddie and alternate Rachel Amin, go out as the most decorated class in the program’s stellar history. And on the strength of State veterans Clara, Mad-O, Morgan and Kenzie, plus up-and-comers Faith Brickzen, Lauren Robinson and Kilie Morgan, the Christian Academy dynasty will continue.
Christian Academy Individual State Championships Places & Times
3. Hannah Herd, 19:01 *All-State
13. Clara Lynch, 20:05 *All-State
26. Madalyn O’Dea, 20:49 *All-State Honorable Mention
30. Callie Donaldson, 20:53 *All-State Honorable Mention
95. Kenzie Stovall, 22:46
147. Morgan McIntire, 23:59
181. Maddie Luette, 25:28
Girls Cross Country Team Wins Region!
The Lady Centurion Harriers won their first Regional Championship since 2007, by upsetting # 2 ranked North Oldham squad. The defending State Runner-Up team has been State ranked all season, but had not beat the Lady Mustangs all season. The two teams have plenty of history battling for Regional titles and top places at State, as they compete in the toughest Region in the State.
Last year, North Oldham took the Regional title by 3 points, before Christian Academy turned the tables in taking 2nd at State, to North’s 3rd. KYtrackXC.com projected another North win in the automated rankings and in the pre-race predictions. But the race on the cross country course is all the matters and the team came in with a very specific race plan to go after the Championship trophy. The girls executed the plan flawlessly. Hannah Herd and Clara Lynch worked together for most of the race, nestled in a pack of 4 behind National Elite Collins runner Gabby Karas. Hannah exploded over the last 1000 meters to finish Runner-up to Karas. Clara chopped nearly a minute off her only previous race on this course, to place 5th. Madalyn O’Dea and Callie Donaldson also worked together throughout the race, keying off North Oldham’s # 3 runner,knowing that putting four Centurions in front of herwas very important in winning the team title. It all came down to the last200 meters, as Mad-O and Callie both crossed the finish line ahead of the Mustang. Morgan McIntire ran a very aggressive race,placing 4 spots higher than predicted to seal the 8 point win. Kenzie Stovall and Maddie Luette also ran strong races in the cold blustery conditions. Now it is on to the State Meet next Saturday atthe Kentucky State Horse Park. The team is seeking to earn their 3rd podium finish in the last 6 years.
Christian Academy Regional Places and Times
2. Hannah Herd, 19:44
5. Clara Lynch, 20:12
8. Madalyn O’Dea, 21:15
9. Callie Donaldson, 21:19
22. Morgan McIntire, 23:07
24. Kenzie Stovall, 23:40
35. Maddie Luette, 25:53
8th Grade Football Wins Division III State Championship
After a 36 to 6 win over Somerset Meece on Saturday, the 8th grade CAL Centurions played in the state final game on Sunday against the Letcher Central Cougars.
On CAL’s first possession of the game after several first down achievements, Milton Wright ran in for CAL’s first touchdown. Defense, led by Luke Chambers, Harrison Zimmerer, Jack Griffin and Nathan Green held strong to keep the Cougars from scoring. When CAL’s offense took the field several first downs were achieved by Austin Carr and Wright. Soon after Carr’s pass to Anthony Palombino resulted in another Centurion touchdown. Carr trucked through the defense to score in the 2 point conversion to end the 1st quarter 14-0.
The top of the 2nd quarter Letcher Central looked to be posed to score when they threw a pass and Wright intercepted to gain another 6 for the Centurions. Defense continued to keep LC scoreless with Trent Wilburn sacking the quarterback. CAL did allow one touchdown late in the second quarter when a pass from LC quarterback was caught, no 2 point conversion. At the end of the quarter CAL pulled out their passing weapons with Palombino and Kaden Weiter catching for significant gains. Carr kept the ball and ran in for the last touchdown of the half and completed 2 point conversion for a CAL lead of 28-6.
The 2nd half started with CAL’s defense again being strong lead by Austin Richardson, Luke Paulson and Weiter stopping the Cougars again. At the end of the 3rd, Wright ran for another TD to make it 34-6 for the Centurions. Fourth quarter was much of the same for CAL as balls from Letcher Central were intercepted by CAL, passes were caught by Paulson and Weiter and the QB Carr pushed into the endzone for another score. 40 to 6. Letcher Central passed for one of their own, but it was a little too late. CAL won with a final score of 40 to 14. Go Centurions!
It should be noted that the CAL Middle School cheerleaders won the State trophy as well! Hardware coming back to Louisville!