Faith Academy takes district title

November 02, 2012, 11:30 pm by Mark Goodson

Faith Academy finished its regular season at 10-0 for the first unbeaten season in coach Russell Roberts’ 40 years of coaching.

"I’ve been 10-1 about three times, but never 10-0,’’ Roberts said.

The Flames will likely catch Houston Cypress Christian in the first round of the TAPPS Division III playoffs in two weeks in Marble Falls. The playoff game will be either Friday or Saturday, but Roberts said he is hoping for a Friday date.

The game was the most competitive game the Flames have had all season, but the Flames pulled away in a wild second half to wrap up the school’s first district title in 11-man football.

Brian Freeman and Jason Byrd had their typical standout games, but it was Hayden’s scoop and return of a fumble that pushed a two-touchdown lead to three.

Faith Academy held Central Texas Christian on downs on its last possession.

Early in the fourth quarter, Faith Academy held a 31-18 lead and was driving for another score when Byrd fumbled and the Central Texas Christian returned the fumble 79 yards to cut the lead to 31-26.

Austin Ellis delivered a 48-yard sprint on a third-and-one play to give the Flames a 37-26 lead with 7:07 left.

Byrd scored three touchdowns on runs of 49, 1 and 15 yards and Freeman utilized his speed on a 79-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

Freeman’s kickoff return was the answer to an early deficit for the Flames. His return came with 7:52 left in he first quarter and he booted the PAT for a 7-6 lead.

The score was 15-12 at halftime.

For complete results, read Tuesday's Highlander Sports section.