Royal Palm Beach, FL.- The King’s Academy Lions have subtly taken center stage as one of the top programs in Palm Beach County this season.
Tonight (September 12) the TKA Lions hosted Somerset Prep under the Primetime lights of Thursday Night Football. This game was dominated early and often by the Lions, as TkA controlled this game from the opening drive.
Kings’ reached the end zone on their opening drive, as QB Joe Dailey hit Matthew McPherson for a 34 yard strike. This wouldn’t be Dailey’s only score tonight, as he reached the end zone on the ground on two consecutive drives and then finally connecting with star wideout Javian Jones for a 22 yard TD.
Here’s the Dailey to McPherson TD to give the Lions the lead! #tkafootball 🏈@TKAWPB @TKALionsFB @pbphighschools @ESPNWestPalm @FlaHSFootball @EraPrep pic.twitter.com/qaG4Q0p0D1
— The King’s Academy Athletic Dept. (@TKALions) September 12, 2024
Here’s the second rushing touchdown by Dailey! Lions lead 21-0 at the break. #tkafootball 🏈@TKAWPB @TKALionsFB @JoeDailey19 @pbphighschools @ESPNTop63 @ESPNWestPalm @FlaHSFootball @EraPrep pic.twitter.com/dkpuc8oynt
— The King’s Academy Athletic Dept. (@TKALions) September 13, 2024
Here’s your weekly Dailey to Jones TD! #tkafootball 🏈 @TKAWPB @pbphighschools @ESPNWestPalm @TKALionsFB @EraPrep @JavianJones8 @JoeDailey19 pic.twitter.com/xDtkCY3BYS
— The King’s Academy Athletic Dept. (@TKALions) September 13, 2024
The beginning of Dailey’s senior campaign has been an absolute movie, as the Lefty Lion has been tallying 250+ yard and 4 total TD nights every time he’s stepped on the field.
Joe wasn’t the only elite rusher tonight, as Lion’s backs Tristan Stewart and Mike Mesa was dominating the Hurricanes’ defense. Mesa’s performance on offense and special teams was a sight to see, as the senior recorded 150 AP Yards and one score.
The one yard score by Mesa extends the Lions lead to 35. #tkafootball 🏈@pbphighschools @ESPNWestPalm @TKAWPB @TKALionsFB @ESPNWestPalm @FlaHSFootball @EraPrep pic.twitter.com/W0BZo5tGIS
— The King’s Academy Athletic Dept. (@TKALions) September 13, 2024
While the Lion’s offense always receives the immediate praise, I’d like to switch gears to the other side of the ball, as TKA’s defense dominated tonight’s affair. King’s’ defense was lights out tonight, en route to pitching a shut out. On the front seven, Nick Darling, Koskue Nakata and Ryan Faisal were partying in the backfield all night, recording multiple sacks and TFL’s. Faisal’s breakout performance tonight is especially worth noting, as he also blocked two Somerset punts, putting his offense in prime field position.
In the secondary, Javian Jones recorded another interception to begin his senior campaign, alongside a few PBU’s and a big hit to force a three and out. Levi and Hudson Champion once again showed their dominance over the middle, both recording double digit tackles throughout tonight’s contest.
The King’s Academy now advances to a nice 4-0 to begin the 2024 season. The Lions are blessed with a bye week next week, where they will take some time to prepare for their toughest opponents that lie just around the corner.
