APA Set to Clash with Six Time National Champion in Tennessee This Fall
In a notable announcement, Arendell Parrott Academy (APA) has been invited to participate in the prestigious 2nd Annual Gatlinburg Black Bear Brawl. This event is set to take place from August 9 to 10, 2024, at the Rocky Top Sports World in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The APA Patriots, led by the distinguished four-time State Championship head coach, Matt Beaman, will face off against the formidable Evangel Christian Lightning from Alabama in a highly anticipated match on August 10 at 4:00 PM EST, at the Gatlinburg Pittman High School Stadium.
Under Coach Beaman's guidance, APA has boasted a remarkable record of 79-26 over the past decade, securing four state championships. Despite a challenging season last year, finishing with a .500 record of 5-5, no doubt this team will be ready to bounce back as coach Beaman has had a losing season since 2012-13. Known for their resilience and strategic scheduling, APA notably competed in an 11-man format during the first three games of the previous season, underscoring their adaptability and ambition.
The Patriots' opponent, Evangel Christian, is a powerhouse in 8-man football, having won six consecutive national championships and currently riding a 31-game winning streak, the longest in Alabama. Their last loss dates back to November 5th, 2021, showcasing their dominance in the sport. The Lightning's success is particularly remarkable considering their team consists predominantly of home-schooled students.
This matchup is not just a game; it's a clash of titans. APA, with a 6-5 record in out-of-state games since 2005, is poised to prove their mettle against the undefeated champions of the last two years. Coach Beaman expressed his enthusiasm for the event, seeing it as "a great opportunity for our program to show we are one of the best 8-man teams in the country."
The Gatlinburg Black Bear Brawl offers not only a platform for high-level competition but also a chance for individual accolades, with the MVP of the game receiving an invite and a paid spot in the Gatlinburg All American Bowl/Rising Stars Postseason Event.
As the community rallies behind the Patriots, this event promises to be a landmark occasion in Arendell Parrott Academy’s storied sports history, as they aim to showcase their prowess on a national stage against a team with multiple national championships, Evangel Christian.
Attention all local sports enthusiasts! Do you have insider information on your favorite local sports team? Submit to The Score below and let our team of experts bring it to life. Don't miss out on the chance to share what happened at your local sporting event - submit now and become part of the story!
Neuse News Sports is a locally-owned small business startup in downtown Kinston. Our goal is to cover all schools, all sports, and all athletes in Lenoir, Greene and Jones counties.
We provide this free sports news by having supportive advertisers and we encourage you to click on their ads, shop with them, and eat with them. Every bit of financial support is important to help us sustain free, hyper-local sports news.
Please consider supporting Neuse News Sports with as little as $5 one-time or via a monthly option. Every little bit helps us, help you.
