Recap: The First Academy Royals vs. Eustis Panthers
If The First Academy Royals were riding high off their 63-6 takedown of the Duval Charter Panthers last Friday, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. The First Academy fell to Eustis 34-28.
The First Academy's lost on Friday despite a true team effort on the offense, the best among them being Malachi Jones, who gained 114 total yards and a touchdown. The team also got some help courtesy of Jack Mckissock, who threw for 220 yards and three touchdowns.
Eustis' success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Lashawn Williams led the charge by picking up 181 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Williams' longest reception was for an incredible 70 yards. Another player making a difference was Troy Saladin, who threw for 200 yards and three touchdowns on only 14 passes.
The First Academy's defeat dropped their record down to 5-4. As for Eustis, the win (which was their fourth in a row) raised their record to 6-3.
Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. The First Academy will take on Foundation Academy at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Foundation Academy knows how to get points on the board -- the squad has finished with flashy point totals in its past four games -- so hopefully The First Academy likes a good challenge. As for Eustis, they will head out on the road to face off against Mount Dora at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Mount Dora is on a four-game streak of home wins, Eustis a four-game streak of away wins -- so someone will have to leave a streak behind on the field.
