The Foundation Academy Lions are young and hungry

Sometimes, inexperience can lead to adversity.

For this year’s Foundation Academy football team, it’s been a weapon.

“The lack of experience allows (the players) not to fear anything,” head football coach Andre Walker said. “You don’t know, so you are not afraid. That can be a good or bad thing, because you can make mistakes a lot of times, but you can make positive things happen, as well.” 

This season, the Lions have put together an impressive 4-2 campaign — largely thanks to the big men up front.

“The offensive line is a very strong unit; it allows our running back to have the success that he’s been having,” Walker said. “That’s our strong suit: running the ball and the offensive line up front, which has been keeping us effective throughout the season.” 

Running back JT Bronaugh, 17, has enjoyed a breakout season thanks to a decision to compete as a track-and-field athlete.

“The difference I can see in myself from when I was playing last year — it’s amazing,” he said. “It’s not just my speed (though), it’s the people who helped me get that speed — the linemen. I couldn’t do it without them.” 

Unfortunately, within the last few weeks, the Lions have been having to overcome the injury bug. Several of their players have suffered from different injuries, and younger players have had to step onto the field.

“(We put) two young guys to play and hoped that what we practiced had embedded into them, and they were able to actually go out and execute what they’ve been doing all week in practice,” Walker said. “That’s one of the main things that I preach. … We practice how we play. Always be attentive, focused and locked in, because you never know when your opportunity is called. Once your opportunity is called, do what you’ve been practicing and you should be fine.”

Despite being sidelined with an injury, senior Edward Byrd has been a huge asset as a leader.

“He’s not able to play, but vocally, he’s been very instrumental in the play of the defensive line,” Walker said. “We have a lot of new faces up there but they play well because of him, and guys like him, that keep the young guys engaged.”

Another standout player has been senior linebacker Sam Zagame, 17, who said he has been working on diagnosing a play as it happens.

“I want to be able to recognize the play quicker and faster,” he said. “(Also), I try to be a coach on the field because, of course, our coaches can’t be on the field with (us). So I try to recognize the little things to make sure (we) are all doing (our) job right.” 

The Lions are preparing to face The First Academy Royals come the night of Friday, Oct. 21. 

“We understand what a significant game we are getting ready to play,” Walker said. “We understand that TFA is a very good opponent. We know that it’s going to be a dogfight come next Friday, but we are itching to have an opportunity to prolong our season. That’s always been the goal from the beginning.”

It’s been three years since the Lions and Royals met on the gridiron. This year, they are district foes.

“I’m glad it happened in the matter that it did; we never wanted to not play them,” Walker said. “I think it’s good for both schools that we have this rivalry going.” 

There’s a lot of pressure resting on the Lions’ shoulders. The winner of the game punches a ticket to postseason play.

“We expect to go big, going to keep pushing my team,” Bronaugh said. “If we can go to states, we’ll be ready. And if we are ready, and we can win it — that’d be even better.” 

But above all, pulling on the Lions jersey means much more than knowing the X’s and O’s of the game.

“(A Lion) has to demonstrate that he’s going to play Christ-like with no flaws, he’s going to give his best efforts, work hard for the team,” Walker said of his players. “Leave everything on the line, and as long as he’s able to do that, he’s comfortable with living with the end results from the effort he put in.”