Football Game Preview: Hernando Christian Academy Lions vs. Gainesville Christian Community Warriors

The Hernando Christian Academy Lions will challenge the Gainesville Christian Community Warriors at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Hernando Christian Academy knows how to get points on the board -- the squad has finished with 31 points or more in their past five games -- so hopefully Gainesville Christian Community likes a good challenge.

Hernando Christian Academy is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Florida's top teams: All Saints' Academy, who was ranked seventh at the time (Hernando Christian Academy was ranked second). The Lions blew past the Saints, posting a 38-6 victory. Considering the Lions have won four contests by more than 31 points this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.

Tayvion Howard

Rushing Yards

09/05/25 @ Real Life Christian Academy	93
08/29/25 vs Oasis Christian	112
09/12/25 vs Geneva Classical Academy	201
08/22/25 @ St. John Lutheran	207
09/26/25 @ All Saints' Academy	221

Hernando Christian Academy found their leader in sophomore Tayvion Howard, who rushed for 221 yards and one score while picking up 7.1 yards per carry. Those 221 rushing yards set a new season-high mark for Howard.

Hernando Christian Academy was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 439 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 172 rushing yards in nine consecutive matchups dating back to last season.

Hernando Christian Academy didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Jaden Montzka and Dallas Williams. Montzka's rushing production has been exceptional recently as that marked his fourth straight game with at least 103 rushing yards. Hernando Christian Academy got some further help from Caydon Williams: he made nine total tackles and defended five passes.

Meanwhile, Gainesville Christian Community was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap on Friday as they fell 60-56 to St. John Lutheran. The loss continues a trend for the Warriors in their meetings with the Saints: they've now lost four in a row.

Hernando Christian Academy's win bumped their record up to 4-1. As for Gainesville Christian Community, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-2.

Everything came up roses for Hernando Christian Academy against Gainesville Christian Community when the teams last played back in September of 2023, as the team secured a 51-0 victory. Do the Lions have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Warriors turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.