Laurens Academy was the 40-26 winner over King Academy when they last played one another back in November of 2024, but their luck changed this time around. The Crusaders came up short against the Knights on Friday, falling 60-34. The loss was the Crusaders' first of the season.
Laurens Academy's loss came despite strong showings from Caleb Hardy and Mason Cooper. Hardy gained 179 total yards and two touchdowns, while Cooper gained 156 total yards and a touchdown. Cooper also put in work on the defensive side of the ball, picking up a sack and making eight total tackles.
Even if they lost, Laurens Academy's defensive line still kept up the pressure with 3.5 sacks. The team can thank three different players for their defensive prowess: Cooper, Riley Whittaker, and John Walters lll, who each picked up one sack apiece.
King Academy found their leader in sophomore Joseph Morse, who rushed for 375 yards and five touchdowns while picking up 17.0 yards per carry. Those five rushing touchdowns set a new season-high mark for Morse.
Having lost for the first time this season, Laurens Academy fell to 4-1. As for King Academy, the victory keeps them at an undefeated 5-0.
We've got plenty of inter-region action coming up soon. Laurens Academy will take on rival Newberry Academy at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Meanwhile, King Academy is set to square off against their familiar foe Wardlaw Academy at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. This will be the Knights' first chance to prove their worth in the conference.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
