|
|
|
|
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Rise of the Legacy Nation
Collin County, TX
|
|
|
By: Tim Polzer
|
Photo(s) By: Sheryl Burns
|
Legacy Christian Academy’s improving football program has become a source of pride for the school and its community
Legacy Christian Academy coach Carl Bailey and school supporters are building a football program in Frisco. The Eagles just finished their second varsity season of 11-man football and are anxious to get started on season three.
For the second straight season, the Eagles finished just shy of a TAPPS 2-IV playoff berth, but there is still reason to celebrate. In Bailey’s second season as head coach, LCA improved its record from 4-4 to 7-3 and coach expects even better things to come.
“The school has made a commitment to improving its athletic programs and facilities and I think you’re seeing the benefits of that commitment,” Bailey said.
Legacy Christian’s added emphasis on athletics included the hiring of Bailey, who previously coached in the Frisco Independent School District and East Texas, as well as the addition of an athletic period to the school’s daily schedule.
The school also enjoys a new stadium that features “as good a turf field that you’ll find in the state,” according to Bailey.
Bailey believes the improvements had a positive effect on the team and will help the program grow.
“Those young men saw the commitment the school made and they responded with a great work ethic,” Bailey said. “We have great young men who are committed to the program.”
Though Legacy Christian only suited up four seniors for the 2007 season, the Eagles enjoyed outstanding performances from senior quarterback John Barthalt and running back Jake Martinez. Barthalt completed 54 of 128 passes for 1,044 yards and seven touchdowns. Barthalt also starred on defense, earning an All-District selection at linebacker. Martinez led the Eagles in rushing with more than 850 yards on just 134 carries and scored 11 touchdowns, and also was selected to the All-District first team.
The Legacy Christian offense averaged more than 32 points in 10 games and the Eagles’ defense allowed a district low average 10 points per game.
The Eagles season was full of drama, right down to their final game. After narrowly losing their season opener to Arlington Oakridge, Legacy Christian put together a six-game win streak. However, close losses in district play left the Eagles one game out of a playoff berth.
While missing the playoffs was disappointing, Bailey believes the experience will benefit his program in the future, especially the crop of juniors expected to return for the 2008 season.
“It’s a maturing process. It’s sometimes hard to understand the experience of a big game until you’ve played in one,” Bailey said. “I feel like our kids have to be in those situations so they can mature. We have no traditions. Our kids are establishing traditions.”
The Eagles will return eight starters who were named first- or second-team or honorable mention all-district. Those starters will include first-team all-district performers in receiver Lucas Allison, offensive lineman Derek Burns and defensive lineman Austin Choate.
Perhaps the most encouraging players in Legacy Christian football future are the families and boosters who have rallied to support the Eagles.
“Our Legacy Nation community has been great. They have tailgates before the games and have given us great support,” Bailey said. “Our Legacy Nation will grow as we build our program and build our tradition.”
|
|
| dontabron - 3:56 pm CST on Sat, Dec 6 | report profanity/abuse |
|  | Register with Nationwide Sports Scouts and join the Internet's largest college recruiting service and athletic scholarship network. We have been the choice for more than 5,000 athletes from all 50 states and 30 different countries. Connect with over 10,000 NCAA coaches from divisions I, II, and III, of which more than 5,000 are registered with our service. Each month,N.W.S.S.is visited thousands of times;and each day we make over 150 college recruiting connection.If you are looking to be recruited in any sport male or female please call us at 951-313-0062 or visit our web-site nwsscouts.com Thanks SR. Scout Don Tabron.
|
|
|
|
|
®
™
