Football Recap: Bell Creek Academy Wins High-Profile Game Against the Classical Academy of Sarasota

Bell Creek Academy faced The Classical Academy of Sarasota in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Friday. The Panthers sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 14-12 win over the Patriots. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Panthers.

Bell Creek Academy had a senior duo take command as Wesley Fannin threw for 197 yards and two touchdowns and Kyle Valdes picked up 90 receiving yards and one TD. Valdes' longest reception was for an incredible 75 yards.

Bell Creek Academy didn't let much get past them through the air: they limited The Classical Academy of Sarasota to a completion percentage of just 42.9%. That dominant aerial defense primarily came from two players: Cody Schlise and Josiah Davis, who each logged four passes deflected. Sadly, that's becoming something of a trend for Bell Creek Academy; they were averaging 57.6%completion percentage earlier this season, but in their last three matchups they've fallen to only 0%.

Bell Creek Academy didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Davis and Schlise. Bell Creek Academy got some further help from Alijah Tilman: he picked up a sack and made 17 total tackles (4.0 for loss).

The Classical Academy of Sarasota's loss shouldn't obscure the performances of Jackson Schlabach, who gained 104 total yards and two touchdowns, and Mason Knepp, who threw for 136 yards and one TD. An impressive showing, but Knepp really ramped things up playing D: he forced one fumble, made two total tackles, and defended two passes in addition to snagging an interception.

Bell Creek Academy's victory bumped their record up to 3-4. As for The Classical Academy of Sarasota, they have been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 3-5 record this season.

Bell Creek Academy has already played their next contest, a 24-14 win against Academy at the Lakes on the 17th. As for The Classical Academy of Sarasota, they also wasted no time getting back out on the field and have already played their next matchup, a 40-6 defeat against Bradenton Christian on the 17th.