DEA headed to State Championship

By Justin Gray

The DEA Eagles hosted their final game of the year as they welcomed Westminster Schools of Augusta in for the semi-final matchup. The crowd was excited and ready for the big game, and a chance to go to the State Championship.

The game got started in a big way as the Eagles put the first points on a pick-six at the hands of Racyn Faircloth. It wouldn’t be long before Faircloth got another interception. The offense got a crack at it and Jesse Moore took it 82 yards to the house and it was 12-3 Eagles. Westminster scored on their offensive drive and cut it to 12-10.

The Eagles needed a big response and that they got as Faircloth continued his big day with an 80 yard touchdown run. Riley Griner ran in the two-point play and the Eagles led 20-10. It was all DEA from this point on.

After a big defensive stop, Griner hit Randon Williams on a 21 yard pass for the touchdown, and after the two-point conversion it was 28-10. The Eagles surrendered a touchdown and Westminster cut it to 28-17. The Eagles put together another good drive, and Faircloth capped off his major day with a four-yard touchdown run, the Eagles were now up 34-17.

The defense held again and got it back to the offense to finish it off when Jesse Moore put the final nail in on a 49 yard run to seal the deal. Westminster got a late touchdown to make the final score 40-24. This was one of the Eagles toughest tests all year long and they handled it well. This time of year is all about surviving and advancing.

The Eagles will now play in their second State Championship in three years. The Eagles will be taking on Windsor Academy at Strong Rock Christian Academy in Locust Grove on November 19 at 7:30 P.M. Let’s travel and cheer on these guys as they try to bring home the hardware!