Football Recap: Laurens Academy Wins High-Profile Contest Against Wardlaw Academy

Laurens Academy faced Wardlaw Academy in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Friday. The Crusaders put the hurt on the Patriots with a sharp 36-14 win. Considering the Crusaders have won four matchups by more than 21 points this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.

Caleb Hardy

Rushing Yards (Career)

10/03/25 vs Wardlaw Academy	232
09/26/25 @ Newberry Academy	135
09/20/24 vs King Academy	133
09/19/25 @ King Academy	86
08/30/24 vs Wardlaw Academy	81

It was another big night for Caleb Hardy, who rushed for 232 yards and three scores while picking up 8.6 yards per carry. Those 232 rushing yards gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Ethan Collins, who rushed for 64 yards and a pair of TDs on only seven carries.

They were just one part of a punishing run game: Laurens Academy was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 282 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 187 rushing yards in six consecutive contests.

On the other side of the ball, a lot of the credit has to go to Laurens Academy's defense and their 7.5 sacks. Wardlaw Academy's QB won't forget Eli Garrett anytime soon given he sacked him four times.

Laurens Academy pushed their record up to 6-1 with the victory, which was their third straight at home. As for Wardlaw Academy, they are on a three-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 1-5.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Laurens Academy will host Christian Academy at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. As for Wardlaw Academy, they will be playing at home against Newberry Academy at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Wardlaw Academy will be up against Newberry Academy's rather soft defense (which has allowed 41.33 points per game), so fans could be in store for a big offensive performance.