It took two and a half years, a lot of hard work, sheer determination and always keeping the faith. Friday night all the bumps, bruises and losses seemed worth it as the First Presbyterian Christian Academy Highlander football team earned their first win of their football program beating Crisp Academy18-6 at home.

“I told you this year there was a change a coming,” FPCA head football coach Terry Middleton said. “I am so proud of you right now…you cracked that egg…it took you two and a half years but you did it…it wasn’t the coaching staff it was all you.”

Middleton and assistant coach William Herdman hugged the players and FPCA’s Athletic Director Shane Smith and Assistant Principal Shannon Hickey shook their hands and congratulated the boys who left it all on the field for four quarters and finally finished on top.

The game was tied 6-6 at the half. At the start of the third quarter the FPCA boys took their first lead of the season making it a 12-6 game. Halfway through the fourth quarter the boys scored again. Despite missing the extra point the FPCA boys were up 18-6 and that was enough for the win.

Highlander Dylan Stewart scored a touchdown on an 81 yard kick return. Later he threw a pass to Michael Burnett for another FPCA touchdown. Bolden Crane came in as the Highlanders’ quarterback as Stewart took a quick breather. Crane completed a 13 touchdown pass to Burnett. Making huge offensive gains throughout the game was Jimmy Ouyang.

Leading the defense was Austin Hendrix, Joshua Armour and Stewart.

In other football news the other local prep teams didn’t hold up as well. Long County lost 52-7 against Bacon County. Liberty County High School dropped their region 3-AAAA opener at Wayne County 29-0. Bradwell Institute fell at their Region 3-AAAAA contest in Waycross where the Gators won 33-0.

We will update the information as more stats become available. Pick up the Sunday Coastal Courier for the full report.