Football Recap: Jace Ballard Key Part of Team Effort in Rams Win

Grace Christian Academy's game last Friday was a loss, but they didn't let that memory haunt them on Friday. They skirted past the Sevier County Smoky Bears 33-31. Grace Christian Academy's victory was all the more impressive since the Smoky Bears were averaging only 12.57 points allowed on the season.

JV Stinson

Rushing Touchdowns

09/18/25 vs Webb	3
10/10/25 @ Sevier County	2
09/12/25 vs Silverdale Academy	2
09/05/25 @ Chattanooga Christian	2
09/26/25 vs Ambassador Christian School	1

Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Grace Christian Academy to victory, but perhaps none more so than Jace Ballard, who rushed for 56 yards and two touchdowns, and also picked up 131 receiving yards. Ballard's receiving production has been exceptional recently as that marked his third straight game with at least 115 receiving yards. JV Stinson was in the mix as well, providing Grace Christian Academy with two scores.

Another reason for the win was Grace Christian Academy's imposing defensive line, which managed to get into the backfield for three sacks. The team can thank three different players for their defensive prowess: Hudson Burnett, Braxton Kennedy, and Will Pasley, who each picked up one sack apiece.

Sevier County lost despite a true team effort on offense. The best among them was Cooper Newman, who threw for 285 yards and three TDs, and also punched in one rushing score. Sevier County's leading receiver Bryson Headrick was Newman's top target yet again, picking up 138 receiving yards and one touchdown.

Grace Christian Academy's win bumped their record up to 5-2. As for Sevier County, their loss was their first of the season and makes their record 6-1.

Coming up, Grace Christian Academy will challenge Christian Academy of Knoxville at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The Rams' defense better be ready for this one: the Warriors have averaged an impressive 29.1 points per game this season. As for Sevier County, they will take on Tennessee at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The two teams have allowed few points on average (the Smoky Bears 12.6, the Vikings 13.5) so any points scored will be well earned.