LCA Eagles Primed for Deep Playoff Run

The 2024 Lexington Christian Academy Eagles find themselves in familiar territory. Like seemingly every year, the Eagles navigated one of the toughest schedules in the state, going 8-2 with wins over CAL, Pikeville and Lexington Catholic. LCA went undefeated in district play, winning their fifth consecutive district crown.

But unlike recent years, the pre-season expectations looked differently. Coming into this season, the talk surrounding the Eagles leaned more toward survival rather than dominance. Division 1 prospects Cutter Boley, Kenyatta Hardge and Brady Hensley had moved on, leading pundits to predict a down year in Eagle Valley.

New Leaders Emerge

But LCA had answers. Senior QB Saxton Howard has led the offense incredibly well, delivering a lethal mix of throws and quarterback runs. His play earned 2A, District 4 Player of the Year honors. Howard has combined for around 1,630 yards of offense and 25 touchdowns on the season.

Meanwhile, the vaunted offensive line, led by seniors Hayes Preston, Brooks Kerwin, Trefor Thomas and Jake Darby, has simply dominated opponents. The Eagles rank third in 2A in rushing, with 2,750 yards, or 275 yard per game, through the season.

Behind that big offensive line, senior running back Leland Edward emerged as a threat, becoming a top-10 rusher in 2A with 1,019 yards on 97 carries through nine games. Howard has been equally dangerous in the run game, racking up 707 yards on 64 carries. Mac Darland, Paxton Gray, Daven Hood and Sam Pearson all contribute as well, providing the Eagles with multiple weapons.

Physical Run Game & Defense

Senior tight end Hunter Adams has been a monster in the run game as well, used in tandem with one of the best O-lines in the state. Adams leads a host of H-backs and running backs setting the edge and opening holes to spring Edwards and Howard for big game-changing runs.

Adams also leads the way on defense with 79 tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and two interceptions, including a pick-six. Darland is the other driving force on the defense with 68 tackles. Freshman Thomas Sizemore has emerged to add quality depth at the linebacker position, while the return of Nash Whelan from an off-season injury brought a huge spark.

Though the Eagles gave up some passing yards early this year to vaunted offenses like Boyle County, CAL and Lexington Catholic, LCA ranks 4th in 2A in interceptions. Sizemore has three of them, along with two from Pearson (1 pick-six), Brady Couch and Jackson Dillow (pick-six). Tyler King, Jamey Lee Patterson, Collin Hensley and Jeremiah Burbage all snagged an INT this year as well.

Built for Playoff Run

Make no mistake, this is a hit-you-in-the-mouth brand of LCA football in 2024. Running the ball and stopping the run with physical play is the recipe. Senior-led offensive and defensive fronts provide the muscle. Athletic skill players bring home run capability in the passing game and the secondary. Winners of eight consecutive games, including wins over two defending state champions, the Eagles are primed for another deep playoff run.

The Road

For the third consecutive year, all roads lead to Mayfield. Barring an incredible upset, LCA and the Cardinals will likely square off for a regional title. The winer will most assuredly earn a semi-final matchup with Beechwood. And that winner will likely find defending state runner-up Owensboro Catholic waiting on them at Kroger Field.

For LCA, the Eagles, along with matchups against Green County and a second-round game with Metcalfe County/WEB DuBois, will have to run the gauntlet to capture the program's second state title, and first in class 2A.

Big, physical and nasty in the trenches, with some athletic skills on the perimeter, this team believes it is built for the playoffs. The road back to Kroger Field kicks off tonight in Eagle Valley.

• Photos courtesy of Becky Jones