TFA defense leads way in 22-7 victory over Foundation — Observer Preps

WINTER GARDEN Camden Hicks kicked a pair of field goals – one on the final play of the first half capping a pivotal 12-point second quarter for The First Academy – and Gregory Fields contributed a short touchdown run with under four minutes remaining Friday to seal the Royals’ 22-7 victory over Foundation Academy at Walker Field.

Quarterback Alex Eleyssami added a 1-yard TD run for the Royals, who improved to 2-0 heading into next Friday’s road game at Sunshine State Athletic Conference member Central Florida Christian Academy. The First Academy has not allowed an offensive touchdown this season, outscoring its opening two opponents by a 59-7 margin.

“It is a good win for us because [Foundation] is a good football team and we saw that when we watched them on film,” Royals head coach Leroy Kinard said. “I think that we just made a few more plays than they did, and the defense played really well and controlled the line of scrimmage.”

Rainy conditions held for most of the game as Eleyssami started the scoring on a sneak with 10:29 left in the second quarter. Hicks added the extra point for a 7-0 lead.

Foundation, which lost one fumble in the first half and put the ball on the ground four other times, began a drive at its own 4-yard line with three minutes to go before halftime. However, the Lions were trapped in the end zone on a rushing attempt two plays later for a TFA safety.

The Royals fielded the ensuing free kick and drove 20 yards, setting up Hicks’ 42-yard field goal as time expired for a 12-0 lead.

Momentum switched to Foundation’s side early in the second half on Lester Axson’s 26-yard fumble return for a touchdown. The Lions then reached the TFA 22-yard line midway through the third quarter, but Chance Bush ended the drive with an end-zone interception and 30-yard return.

Fields quickly followed with a 60-yard run, and Hicks later kicked a 32-yard field goal to make it 15-7 with 3:03 remaining in the third quarter.

Foundation (0-2) has yet to score an offensive touchdown after two games. The Lions will now prepare for a trip to Tampa and a matchup with Carrollwood Day on Sept. 9.

“They [the Royals] have got good running backs and they executed very well,” Lions head coach Brad Lord said. “But I’ll be honest with you, we’re still going to make a real good run.”