Football Recap: Geneva Classical Academy Falls Short Against Ranked First Academy

Geneva Classical Academy faced First Academy in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Friday. The Knights and the Eagles were almost perfectly matched up, but the Knights suffered a 29-28 loss. The Knights were up 22-0 in the first quarter but couldn't hold on to the lead.

Braylon Paul

Total Touchdowns

09/18/25 vs Lakeside Christian	3
10/17/25 vs First Academy	2
09/26/25 @ Lake Mary Prep	2
10/10/25 @ Oasis Christian	1
10/03/25 vs Real Life Christian Academy	1

Geneva Classical Academy lost despite a true team effort on offense. The best among them was Bennett Bayhan, who picked up 108 receiving yards and a pair of scores. He showed off some serious burst, cutting upfield on a catch for 61 yards. Braylon Paul was in the mix as well, providing Geneva Classical Academy with two TDs.

Geneva Classical Academy didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Eli Smith and Micah Elamm. Geneva Classical Academy got some further help from Caleb Causey: he forced three fumbles and made 11 total tackles (2.0 for loss).

First Academy got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Rayce Teate out in front who picked up 85 receiving yards and one touchdown, and also punched in one score on the ground. Teate also deserves a shoutout for his performance on D, making five total tackles and defending two passes in addition to snagging an interception. Henry Purvis was another key signal caller, throwing for 175 yards and a pair of TDs while completing 73.7% of his passes.

Geneva Classical Academy dropped their record down to 3-6 with the defeat, which was their third straight at home. As for First Academy, their record is now 6-3.

Looking ahead, Geneva Classical Academy will square off against All Saints' Academy at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The Saints' defense has only allowed 10.3 points per game this season, so the Knights' offense will have their work cut out for them. As for First Academy, they will take on Bell Creek Academy at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The Panthers will roll in looking for their fourth straight victory, something the Eagles surely won't give up without a fight.