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JARED FIELDS • PICAYUNE STAFF

MARBLE FALLS — The Faith Academy Flames lost their season finale 24-13 to Schertz John Paul II on Nov. 7.

The Flames jumped out to a 13-0 lead in the second quarter.

The first Faith score came on a 17-yard run by Tommy Pelham, who usually plays on the offensive line. Jonathan Bryer recovered a fumble to set up the scoring drive.

The Flames then turned another turnover into points after a series of events that started when Rawley Jackson intercepted a pass on the ensuing John Paul II possession. Jackson returned the interception to the Guardians’ seven-yard line. The Flames threw a goal-line interception; however, on the next play, a Guardians player fumbled in the end zone, and Daniel Penner fell on the ball for the Flames’ second touchdown of the game.

The lead did not last long. Jeffrey Bradley returned the kickoff almost 90 yards for John Paul II to cut the lead to 13-6.

After the Flames punted, Bradley scored on a 49-yard run to bring the Guardians within a point, 13-12.

The Guardians scored again on a Bradley run to begin the third quarter. The Flames’ best chance to climb back into the game was thwarted on a long drive that ended on a stop at the two-yard line. Backed up at the 2, the Guardians took over possession and marched to the end zone for Bradley’s fourth touchdown and a 24-13 lead.

Faith Academy senior Magnum Burcham was injured on a play during that drive. Flames head coach Russ Roberts said the injury left a hole in leadership for his young team, which boasts only three seniors.

“It hurt a lot when we lost Magnum; it took away his leadership,” Roberts said. “In the last 12 minutes, I thought we had some juniors step up. I’m thankful and excited for them for next year.”

Although a sophomore, Bryer led the Flames rushing attack with 24 carries for 101 yards.

The Flames finish the season 2-8 after two straight 10-0 seasons.

“It made it hard to play because we had no experience, but it gave me hope for the future. I’m proud of them for hanging in there,” Roberts said. “I can promise you it will pay dividends.”

jared@thepicayune.com

SCORE BY QUARTERS

 

SECOND QUARTER

FA – Tommy Pelham 17-yard run (Jonathan Reyes kick), 6:44

FA – Daniel Penner creates fumble in end zone he recovers for TD (kick blocked), 4:20

JP – Jeff Bradley 80-yard kickoff return (kick missed), 4:04

JP – Bradley 49-yard run (kick missed), 1:33

THIRD QUARTER

JP – Bradley 25-yard run (two-point try stopped by Magnum Burcham), 8:28

FOURTH QUARTER

JP – Bradley 3-yard run (Jonathan Bryers and Rich Coleman stop two-point attempt), 8:43

TEAM STATS

JOHN PAUL II — First downs, 14; total yards, 314; rushes-yards, 40-314; passing, 0; interceptions, 2; completions-attempts-interceptions, 1-4-2; fumbles-lost, 2-2; penalties-yards, 3-25

FAITH ACADEMY — First downs, 14; total yards, 246; rushes-yards, 51-220; passing, 26; interceptions, 1; completions-attempts-interceptions, 2-9-1; fumbles-lost, 2-2; penalties-yards, 4-40

INDIVIDUAL STATS

RUSHING – (Faith Academy) Jonathan Bryer 28-126, Rich Coleman 11-46, Tommy Pelham 2-17-1 TD, Jonthan Reyes 5-20, Magnum Burcham 5-11

PASSING – (Faith Academy) Magnum Burcham 2-6-26-1 INT, Jonathan Reyes 0-3

RECEIVING – (Faith Academy) Rawley Jackson 1-10, Rich Coleman 1-16