Football Game Preview: Jefferson Davis Academy Raiders vs. King Academy Knights

Two dominant backs in Gregory Lihan and Joseph Morse are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The Jefferson Davis Academy Raiders will square off against the King Academy Knights on Friday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.

Jefferson Davis Academy is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Friday. They narrowly escaped with a victory as the team sidled past Wardlaw Academy 44-42. The win continues a trend for the Raiders in their matchups with the Patriots: they've now won three in a row.

Dalton Nix

Passing Yards (Career)

11/07/25 vs Wardlaw Academy	186
10/24/25 @ King's Academy	156
10/17/25 @ Cross	155
10/03/25 vs Cathedral Academy	102
10/31/25 vs Holly Hill Academy	93

A big part of Jefferson Davis Academy's victory came down to the chemistry between Dalton Nix and his top target Harrison Ray. Nix threw for 186 yards and five touchdowns on only 15 passes while Ray picked up 134 receiving yards and three TDs. Those 186 passing yards gave Nix a new career-high.

Jefferson Davis Academy was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 209 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 209 rushing yards in four consecutive matchups.

Jefferson Davis Academy didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Landon Williams and Reece Still.

Meanwhile, King Academy faced Laurens Academy in a battle between two of the state's top teams last Friday. The Knights put the hurt on the Crusaders with a sharp 44-22 win. Considering the Knights have won eight games by more than 19 points this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.

Jefferson Davis Academy better keep an eye on Elijah Hutto. He was instrumental in King Academy's win, throwing for 164 yards and three touchdowns while completing 75% of his passes, and also rushing for 39 yards and one score.

Jefferson Davis Academy's record is now 8-3. As for King Academy, their record now sits at 10-0.

Everything came up roses for Jefferson Davis Academy against King Academy when the teams last played back in November of 2023, as the squad secured a 51-6 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Raiders since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.