Faith Christian School's varsity football team is set to be the first from the Twin Counties to start its season, traveling to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, for the Black Bear Brawl. They will face the Tennessee Tigers on Saturday at 7 p.m., with the game broadcast on 8-Man Extreme鈥檚 YouTube channel. Last year, the Patriots achieved a decisive victory at the same event, winning 47-18. Head coach Jeremy Jones is optimistic as the team returns key seniors and has made strategic additions to enhance their performance. Faith Christian aims to build on last season's successful run in the NC Independent Schools Athletic Association playoffs.

By the Numbers
  • Faith Christian finished last season with an 8-4 record.
  • Last year's Black Bear Brawl saw them win 47-18 against East Central.
Yes, But

The team's success hinges not only on returning players but also on the adjustment of new roles, such as Paxton Vick's switch to middle linebacker, which adds uncertainty to their overall performance.

State of Play
  • Faith Christian will rely on Vincent Wilson, a two-time all-state player, as a key player on offense, defense, and special teams.
  • Cayce Hinton steps in at quarterback, bringing experience from a previous game when he performed admirably in relief.
What's Next

As the season progresses, the Patriots will look to leverage their returning talent and new additions, with a focus on establishing their identity and making a strong impact in the upcoming games.

Bottom Line

Faith Christian School is poised to kick off their season with optimism and heightened expectations, as they aim to extend their playoff journey and capitalize on the strengths of their returning players.