Solomon’s Seven Touchdowns Power Parrott Academy to 60-22 Win Over Faith Christian
Arendell Parrott Academy exacted revenge on Faith Christian in resounding fashion Friday night, securing a commanding 60-22 victory at Hodges Field. The Patriots, coming off a tough 38-19 loss to reigning national champion Evangel Christian (Ala.) last week, wasted no time setting the tone against a team that had defeated them twice last season.
Senior running back Jaylen Solomon was the star of the night, delivering a career performance with 18 carries for 296 yards and seven touchdowns (6 rush, 1 rec). Solomon, who clearly had a score to settle, played with a chip on his shoulder.
“I knew what happened last year,” Solomon said, reflecting on last season’s losses to Faith Christian. “I had a chip on my shoulder and something to prove.”
Senior fullback Luke Stocks also had a standout game, rushing for 113 yards on 11 carries and scoring a touchdown. Quarterback Chris Stimson contributed with a 26-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Ben Barrett, finishing the game 4-for-6 for 60 yards and two TD.
The Patriots' defense was equally impressive, led by senior linebacker Cade Mixon, who recorded seven tackles, including three for a loss, and forced a fumble. Sophomore linebacker Cole Watson topped the team’s tackle chart with 11 tackles, eight of them solo. Stocks and sophomore Brooks Grady added nine and eight tackles, respectively.
Mixon, whose physical presence was felt throughout the game, exemplified the team’s tenacity. “He is a warrior,” APA head coach Matt Beamon said. “He has that 'it factor.' He plays with an edge, plays with a chip, and he brings the energy to our defense. I’ll go to war with him any day.”
The game was never close. Parrott jumped out to an 18-8 lead in the first quarter, stretching it to 38-8 by halftime. The Patriots didn’t let up in the second half, adding 22 more points to seal the victory.
APA had struggled in last week’s loss, responded with vigor after a week of grueling practice. “We wanted to send a message this week,” Beamon said. “We heard how good they are. We didn’t play our best football last week, and we were really disappointed. So we challenged the guys, and it was one of the hardest weeks I’ve put them through. We went full contact almost every day; we banged at it.”
Mixon echoed his coach’s sentiment, crediting the team’s offseason preparation for their physical play. “Our motto in the weight room is ‘Everyone is tired, everyone wants to quit, everyone is not Parrott,’” Mixon said. “I feel like we lived up to that tonight.”
Parrott Academy will look to carry this momentum into their next game against Halifax Academy on the road on August 29th but first they have a bye week next week.
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