Football Recap: The Classical Academy of Sarasota Takes Down Calvary Chapel Academy in a Playoff Battle

With a playoff win on the line, The Classical Academy of Sarasota rose to the challenge on Friday. They snuck past the Calvary Chapel Academy Eagles with a 45-40 victory. The Patriots' offense finally found a way to get into gear: the high-octane performance was a 180-degree turn from their last three games.

Jackson Schlabach

Receiving Yards

11/07/25 vs Calvary Chapel Academy	183
10/24/25 @ Foundation Christian Academy	84
10/17/25 vs Bradenton Christian	75
10/10/25 vs Bell Creek Academy	60

A big part of The Classical Academy of Sarasota's win came down to the chemistry between Mason Knepp and his top target Jackson Schlabach. Knepp threw for 263 yards and four touchdowns while Schlabach picked up 183 receiving yards and three scores. With that strong performance, Schlabach is now averaging an impressive 100.5 receiving yards per game.

The Classical Academy of Sarasota didn't let much get past them through the air: they limited Calvary Chapel Academy to a completion percentage of just 26.7%. That dominant aerial defense primarily came from two players: Knepp and Nico Ianelli, who each logged one passes deflected. The Classical Academy of Sarasota wasn't nearly as limited: they posted one of 50%.

The Classical Academy of Sarasota didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. It was truly a group effort as Schlabach, Knepp, and Gavin McBride picked up one apiece. Knepp also passed for four passing touchdowns, which is notable because The Classical Academy of Sarasota is undefeated when he posts at least three passing touchdowns, but 1-7 otherwise.

Despite the loss, Calvary Chapel Academy still got an impressive performance from Gavin Stewart, who rushed for 331 yards and a pair of TDs while picking up 15.8 yards per carry. Stewart showed off some serious burst, cutting through the defense on one rush that went for 55 yards. Chace Evans also deserves a shout-out for his two scores.

The victory snapped The Classical Academy of Sarasota's losing streak at three games and leaves them with a 4-7 record. As for Calvary Chapel Academy, they have been struggling recently as they've lost five of their last six contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 3-7 record this season.

The Classical Academy of Sarasota will look to defend their home field on Friday against Saint Francis Catholic Academy at 7:00 p.m. The Patriots will need to watch out since the Wolves have now posted at least 31 points in their last three games. Calvary Chapel Academy does not have any more games scheduled as of now.