It was a long night for the FPCA Highlanders who were battered by Memorial Day 55-8 Friday night at Long Bell Stadium.  The Memorial Matadors are three time defending state champions (2013-2015) for the Georgia Independent School Association Region 2AA.  Friday’s loss brings the Highlanders’ record to 4-4. 

Memorial had little resistance finding the end zone, scoring multiple touchdowns per quarter.  Despite several good offensive drives by the Highlanders, they were able to score only once this match.  Midway through the second quarter, Khalyn Weekley received the ball and ran almost 60 yards for a touchdown.  Adding a two point conversion, 8 points would be all the Highlanders put on the scoreboard. 

FPCA honored their senior athletes in football and cross country during half time. The senior athletes for football were Brandon Attical, Isiah Dickey, Ausar Gibbs, Jordan Gilliard, Jamison Golson, Austin Hendrix, Brantley McCorkle, George Mitchell, Nasmeek Murphy, Matthew Smith, and Isaiah Waller.  Recognized for Cross Country were Xavier McCartney and Mitchell. 

Athletic Director, Shane Smith, spoke of the seniors that will graduate this year and the effect it will have on FPCA’s football program.  “More than half this team will graduate this year.  This impacts our program in multiple ways.  We are losing our experienced leaders that have played all four years.  Our entire offensive line will be graduating”.   Smith is looking ahead to rebuild the team after this year.  “We have 8thgraders coming up to high school that we think will be a good fit for the program.  With the underclassmen we have playing now, we can definitely stay competitive”.

FPCA will travel to Lyons, to face Robert Toombs Friday.  The Crusaders are the GISA 2AA state runner ups for 2015.  Game time is 7:30 p.m. A win against Robert Toombs would put the Highlanders at 2ndplace in the Region and would give them the opportunity to host a playoff game for the first time.