Lake Worth- The King’s Academy just flew into elite company tonight.
Our weekly Kickoff Classic coverage continued tonight (August 16) with a pre-season matchup between the #8 King’s Academy Lions and the Park Vista Cobras. The Lions, came into the game with an absolute vengeance that took even me by surprise.
After holding Park Vista to a quick Three-And-Out on the opening drive of the game, TKA’s special teams opps put their offense in even better territory, as King’s blocks the Cobra punt inside the redzone. The Lions’ offense made short work of the drive, as senior QB Joe Dailey found WR Matthew McPherson for a 13 yard score.
King’s defense was on the prowl all night, as sibling linebacker duo Levi and Hudson Champion fortified the middle, while getting nice licks on the Vista QBs. Star EDGE rusher, Nick Darling was menacing the opposing backfield, recording multiple TFL’s, QB pressures and QB hits.
The TKA offense was red hot tonight, as Dailey recorded that aforementioned TD to McPherson, alongside two deep strikes to Javian Jones, a redzone shot to Tyson Porcher and a beautiful 75 yard rushing score. During his four years as a starter, and as he’s matured as a passer, one can easily claim the game has slowed down for the Lion Lefty. Dailey was in full control of the offense tonight, commanding the team with an unshakeable swagger and calmness.
The kids have a saying now a days, “Special Teams, Special Plays, Special Moments.”, well that was in full effect tonight. Those in attendance were lucky to be blessed with a beautiful 95 yard kick return touchdown from sophomore Sammie LaBoy. LaBoy, one of the key pieces of the future of TKA football, is a shifty WR/DB and Return man that can truly do it all, making plays on all three sides of the ball tonight. LaBoy showed off his natural agility, as he bobbed, weaved and spun through the Cobra kickoff unit en route to the end zone.
This wasn’t the only highlight play for the speedy sophomore, as LaBoy also hawked down an athletic interception, which he then returned for a 65 yard pick-6.
As the final horn buzzed, the TKA Lions emerged victorious, defeating Park Vista 49-7. Following the conclusion of the game, both squads Head Coaches, Dan Burrack (TKA) and Don Hanna (PV) combined their teams for a final prayer and fellowship amongst brothers.
