Second half surge propels TKA to first District Win of Season

Riviera Beach, FL.- After Hurricane Helene delayed multiple games across our area, we were treated to some Monday Night Football action that proved to be better then what the NFL had to offer.

Tonight, The King’s Academy Lions (4-0) faced off against the Inlet Grove Hurricanes (2-2)(1-0 District) for the Lions’ first game of District play.

Following their week five bye, TKA has been sidelined from actual football for over two weeks. With that long gap, that obviously comes with some rust to kick off.

Early on in tonight’s matchup, nothing really stood out on either side of the ball. Both squads traded drives that never ended in points. With under four minutes remaining in the first half, TKA started a drive that would be crucial to the outcome of this game.

The Lions marched down the field, TKA QB Joe Dailey methodically picked apart the Hurricanes’ defense both in the air and with his legs. With five seconds remaining in the half, the Lions found themselves with a fourth and long and trotted out the field goal unit.

Sophomore kicker Kingston DeLoach marches onto the field and gets ready to make a name for himself. As time winds down, DeLoach gets into his stance, lines up and DRILLS a 47 yard field goal to end the half. That’s right, 47 yard field goal from a 15 year old. What a play by the Lions’ special teams unit.

47 yard field goal from @kingstondel0ach to give the Lions the lead! #tkafootball 🏈 @pbphighschools @ESPNWestPalm @TKAWPB @TKALionsFB @FlaHSFootball @EraPrep pic.twitter.com/GqxkTvVkuM
— The King’s Academy Athletic Dept. (@TKALions) September 30, 2024

This 3-0 halftime lead fired up Kings and brought out the best on both sides of the ball. Offensively, the Lions found their groove in the run game, as running backs Tristan Stewart (65 rushing yards) and Micheal Mesa (25 yards and 1 touchdown) pounded the ball, as Dailey scored a second rushing score.

Mesa puts the game away for TKA! #tkafootball 🏈 @TKAWPB @TKALionsFB @ESPNTop63 @ESPNWestPalm @pbphighschools @EraPrep pic.twitter.com/GN2GKK6hDu
— The King’s Academy Athletic Dept. (@TKALions) October 1, 2024

Defensively, TKA’s squad was unbreakable. The Lions’ defense did not allow a play over 4 yards in the entirety of the second half, and held Inlet to consecutive three-and-outs. TKA’s star linebacker, Levi Champion, led the attack totaling 12 total tackles and 4 tackles for loss.

As the final whistle blew, The King’s Academy defeated Inlet Grove 17-0, advancing to 5-0 on the season. The Lions will host Joshua Christian on Friday, October 4th for their Homecoming game. Kickoff is slated for 6:30 PM.