Football Recap: St. Francis Comes Up Short in High-Profile Matchup with Pinecrest Academy + How To Watch

St. Francis faced Pinecrest Academy in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Friday. The Knights took a 34-20 bruising from the Paladins. The Knights' defeat continues a trend for the team, making it five in a row.

Eli Pawlish

Rushing Yards

08/29/25 vs Fideles Christian	200
09/12/25 @ Victory Baptist	196
08/22/25 vs Horizon Christian Academy	144
10/24/25 vs Pinecrest Academy	127
09/19/25 vs Young Americans Christian	80
+ 4 more games

When it comes to explaining why St. Francis lost, don't look at Eli Pawlish. Despite the final result, he rushed for 127 yards and one touchdown, and also threw for 121 yards and a pair of TDs. Pawlish has become a key player for the Knights: the team is 3-1 when he posts at least 100 rushing yards, but 0-5 otherwise.

St. Francis' loss dropped their record down to 3-6. As for Pinecrest Academy, the victory keeps them at an undefeated 6-0-1.

St. Francis wasted no time getting back out on the field and has already played their next matchup, a 29-8 win against Johnson Ferry Christian Academy on the 31st. As for Pinecrest Academy, they have also already played their next game, a 35-0 defeat against Unity Christian on the 31st.