Football Recap: Hickory Grove Christian Skates Past Southlake Christian Academy with Ease

Hickory Grove Christian waltzed into their matchup on Friday with two straight wins... but they left with three. They claimed a resounding 41-12 win over the SouthLake Christian Academy Eagles. Considering the Lions have won five contests by more than 26 points this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.

Hickory Grove Christian can attribute much of their success to Chris Bryant, who rushed for 39 yards and two TDs. Those two rushing touchdowns gave Bryant a new career-high.

They were just one part of a punishing run game: Hickory Grove Christian was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 312 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've managed all season.

Jesse Blazi

Total Tackles

10/17/25 @ SouthLake Christian Academy	14
10/10/25 vs Mount Zion Christian Academy	22
10/03/25 vs Covenant Day	17
09/19/25 @ Harrells Christian Academy	18
09/05/25 @ South Wake	10
+ 12 more games

Hickory Grove Christian's defense stepped up as well, laying out Cameron Gandy six times. The heavy lifting was done by Tay Sturdivant and Jesse Blazi, who racked up four sacks between them. Blazi is also on a roll when it comes to total tackles, as he's now made five or more in each of the last 17 games he's played dating back to last season.

When it comes to explaining why SouthLake Christian Academy lost, don't look at Malachi Gwyn. Despite the final result, he rushed for 91 yards and one touchdown. Speaking of playmakers, who could forget Elijah Copeny, who went all the way with a kickoff return for a touchdown.

Hickory Grove Christian's record is now 6-1. As for SouthLake Christian Academy, they are on a three-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 2-6.

Coming up, Hickory Grove Christian will look to defend their home field on Friday against High Point Christian Academy at 7:00 p.m. The Lions' defense better be ready for this one: the Cougars have averaged an impressive 42.9 points per game this season. As for SouthLake Christian Academy, they will head out on the road to challenge Asheville School (Independent) at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. That game will pit two of the most dominant backs against one another: Gwyn and Marvyn Larozar.