Foundation Academy closes regular season with big win -- Observer Preps

by Chris Mayer | Correspondant

WINTER GARDEN Each phase of Foundation Academy’s varsity football team got in on the fun Friday, as the Lions concluded a six-win regular season with a solid Senior Night performance.

Senior quarterback Jacob Titus threw three first-half touchdown passes and senior Jaquane Patterson went over 1,000 rushing yards for the season, helping Foundation to a 52-20 victory over West Oaks Academy at Walker Field.

The defense also continued to shine as Cory Rahman returned a fumble and an interception for scores and Evan Thompson contributed a pick-6, while Lester Axson brought back the second-half kickoff for a touchdown and Brandon Barnes kicked a 34-yard field goal and tied a single-game program record with seven made extra points.

The Lions (6-4) finished the regular season two games above the .500 mark by winning five of their final six contests. Foundation, which has won six or more games five times since the 2010 season, now enters its Week 11 bye in preparation for a Class 2A regional semifinal against host Deltona Trinity Christian on Friday, Nov. 11.

“We’ve got good senior leadership and they’ve played in big games, so big games don’t scare them,” Foundation head coach Brad Lord said. “But I’m happy with the regular season.”

Foundation clinched the 2A-4 runner-up spot on Thursday as a result of Lakeland Victory Christian’s 48-20 win over Cornerstone Charter Academy. Meanwhile, Deltona Trinity Christian won the 2A-3 championship by virtue of Friday’s 34-14 triumph over Daytona Beach Halifax Academy.

Patterson rushed for 114 yards on 18 carries, to go along with a 35-yard touchdown reception during Foundation’s 14-point first quarter. Luke Chase had a pair of TD catches (10, 30) in the second quarter, which preceded a stretch of 17 points in 55 seconds that powered the Lions to a 45-12 halftime lead.

Titus threw a pair of interceptions but finished 6-of-10 for 110 yards, as the Lions continue to utilize the passing game.

“It’s been exciting for me because this is what I’m used to,” Titus said. “And as every week has gone by, we’ve gotten way more comfortable as an offense.”