Solomon & Shaver & Seniors, OH MY!
The Arendell Parrott Academy Patriots hosted the Liberty Christian Heat at Hodges Field on Friday night. The Patriots, celebrating their eight seniors on Senior Night, scored early and often en route to a 54-0 shutout against the Heat.
The fireworks started early as the Patriots won the toss, and senior #7 Braden Shaver returned the opening kickoff for a 75-yard score. Shaver, in his first year playing football at APA, also handles the kickoffs and extra points for the team.
Shaver also had 3 carries for 72 yards and a rushing touchdown, while converting 4 extra point kicks. “I'm just trying to get some momentum for my team. I think that's the most important thing,” Shaver said about his kickoff return.
The first drive for the Heat advanced all the way down to the Patriot seven-yard line before the Patriots' stingy defense stopped them on downs. After the stop, fellow senior and lead running back #5 Jaylen Solomon showed his dominance with a 93-yard touchdown dash. Solomon finished the game with 290 total rushing yards on six carries and 4 touchdowns in the win. The Patriots also saw senior #21 Cade Mixon get into the end zone on a 25-yard rushing attempt. The Patriots accumulated 427 rushing yards in the win.
“We came out and took care of business. We got the shutout like we wanted... offense over 50 (points) again, so pretty complete game,” head coach Matt Beaman said after the win. The Patriots, who have now won 8 straight games, will travel to face Wayne Christian next Friday.
The game against the Eagles is a huge one for the Patriots. The winner will claim the conference title and also secure the #1 seed in the state playoffs. The Eagles defeated Cary Christian 21-12 on Friday and have now won 6 straight, setting up what will be an intense matchup between two teams that know each other well.
The Patriots are 4-1 all-time against the Eagles, with their only loss coming last year. The Patriots will look for a solid week of practice and preparation as they close out their regular season. “I told the guys we have to have a great week. The record is 0-0. What you’ve done to this point means nothing,” Beaman said.
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