Real Life Christian Academy hasn't had much luck against Ocala Christian recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Raptors will be playing at home against the Crusaders at 7:00 p.m. One thing working in Real Life Christian Academy's favor is that they have posted at least 31 points every time they've taken the field this season.
Real Life Christian Academy is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Florida's top teams: City of Life Christian Academy, who was ranked 24th at the time (Real Life Christian Academy was ranked second). The Raptors breezed past the Warriors to the tune of 45-8 on Friday. Considering the Raptors have won six contests by more than 19 points this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Caleb Burden was his usual excellent self, rushing for 66 yards and one touchdown on only six carries, while also throwing for 116 yards and a pair of TDs on only nine passes. Another player making a difference was Noah McMann, who picked up 35 receiving yards and a pair of scores.
Real Life Christian Academy didn't let much get past them through the air: they limited City of Life Christian Academy to a completion percentage of just 40.9%. The Raptors weren't nearly as limited: they posted one of 66.7%.
Real Life Christian Academy didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Gavin Rose and McMann.
Meanwhile, Ocala Christian lost to Lake Mary Prep at home by a 40-24 margin last Friday.
Real Life Christian Academy will have to contain Derrick Mcgill as he made an impact in Ocala Christian's last game. He rushed for 194 yards and three touchdowns while picking up 8.1 yards per carry. Mcgill didn't just play on offense: he also picked up a sack and made ten total tackles (2.0 for loss). Vincent Perrella was another key player, rushing for 79 yards and one TD on only eight carries.
Even if they lost, Ocala Christian's defensive line still kept up the pressure with three sacks. The team can thank three different players for their defensive prowess: Mcgill, Dylan Foster, and Hector Molina, who each picked up one sack apiece.
Real Life Christian Academy's victory was their sixth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 8-0. Those home wins came thanks in part to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 8.8 points on average over those games. As for Ocala Christian, their loss was their first in the district, dropping their district record down to 2-1 and their overall record down to 6-3.
Friday's game might be decided on the ground. Real Life Christian Academy has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 225.1 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Ocala Christian struggles in that department as they've been averaging 410.6 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Real Life Christian Academy was dealt a bruising 38-8 defeat at the hands of Ocala Christian in their previous meeting back in September of 2024. Will the Raptors have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
