ROYAL PALM BEACH- The King’s Academy is RED HOT.
Tonight (September 15), John Carroll traveled to The King’s Academy in what would turn into a very one-sided affair. Throughout the entire night, TKA applied pressure on the Rams and never looked back.
On the opening drive of the game, John Carroll marches down the field, only to be stopped by a red zone interception by WR/DB Javian Jones (’25). Jones caught the pick in stride, returning it over 40 yards to set up good field position for his offense.
The Lions’ offense capitalized off of Jones’ INT, fielding a commanding drive that ultimately ended with a QB Corbyn Aleshire (’25) 6 yard rushing touchdown. TKA took an early 7-0 lead and never wavered.
After a John Carroll touchdown ties the game, TKA struck back after Aleshire completes a 42 yard touchdown pass to Jones, to extend the score 13-7.
The TKA defense holds John Carroll to a quick three-and-out, setting the Lions up again with great field position.
Kings’ capitalizes on the opportunity when Corbyn Aleshire finds Javian Jones again for a beautiful jump ball touchdown. Jones’ showed off his impressive athleticism as he leaps for the ball, and his glue-like hands, snagging the ball even when it was tipped.
With under two minutes to go in the first half, TKA finds themselves back in the red zone. As the clock ticks away, running back Marion Victor (’24) weaves through the line, dragging multiple Rams defenders around, en route to the end zone. The Lions have all of the momentum now, as they extend their lead to 25-7.
John Carroll doesn’t back down, as quarterback Jax Vanname finds receiver Jaydien Pittman for a 59 yard touchdown pass with under a minute remaining in the half.
As time expires in the first half, Kings’ Academy leads 25-13.
After a strong, scoreless third quarter, TKA struck first in the fourth, when running back Tristan Stewart (’25) breaks off a big 30 yard touchdown rush. Stewart ran hard and physical, shrugging off most of the John Carroll defense on the way to the promised land.
The final nail in the coffin came when Aleshire scrambles out wide, and finds a wide open Reggie Workman (’24) for a 35 yard touchdown pass with 6:03 remaining in the game.
Defensively, the Lions secondary was on locks throughout the night, as Jones records a second interception, and Victor had numerous pass breakups.
The highlight of the Lions’ defense came from the performances of defensive lineman TayTay Saintelus (’24), linebacker Nick Darlin (’25) and defensive end Kosuke Nakata (’25). These three defenders caused havoc all night for the Rams, recording 6 combines sacks as well as double digit tackles for loss.
After strong defensive fortitude from both teams, the rest of the contest would remain scoreless as The Kings’ Academy defeats John Carroll 39-13.
