Football Recap: Lanier Christian Academy Starts Season with Victory on the Road + How To Watch

Lightning

Previous Games

08/16/25 @ Lakeview Academy	14-10
11/21/24 vs Cherokee Christian	14-13
11/15/24 vs Skipstone Academy	50-6
11/01/24 @ Creekside Christian Academy	27-3
10/25/24 vs Dominion Christian	49-14
+ 3 more games

Lanier Christian Academy had to travel to play their first game of the season, but the final result was worth the trip. They secured a 14-10 W over the Lakeview Academy Lions on Saturday. The win was familiar territory for the Lightning, who have now won eight contests in a row dating back to last season.

Ben Hargis went supernova, rushing for 102 yards and one touchdown on only 11 carries. His longest rush was for an impressive 57 yards, which helps to explain his lofty yards per carry total.

Lanier Christian Academy didn't let much get past them through the air: they limited Lakeview Academy to a completion percentage of just 26.7%. That dominant aerial defense primarily came from five players: Hargis, Davis Rowan, Mikah Criste, Andrew Batusic, and Titus Lulinski, who each logged one passes deflected. Lanier Christian Academy wasn't nearly as limited: they posted one of 41.7%.

Lanier Christian Academy didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off four passes before the game was over. It was truly a group effort as Drew Kalinauskis, Criste, Batusic, and Rowan picked up one apiece. Kalinauskis got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.

Despite the loss, Lakeview Academy saw an underclassman step up: sophomore Christian Dikes rushed for 62 yards and one score on only eight carries.

Coming up, Lanier Christian Academy will take on King's Ridge Christian at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. As for Lakeview Academy, they will face off against Piedmont Academy at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. This will be the Lions' first chance to prove their worth in the conference.