Temple Central Texas nudges Flames, 64-62
Faith Academy’s Ian Shirley looks for an opening during last week’s game against Austin Hill Country.
This week, the Flames lost a close one to Temple Central Texas Christian, 64-62. Photo by Daniel Clifton
“We even blocked the last extra-point attempt,” coach David Denney said. “But even though we blocked it, the ball still managed to get through the uprights. It just wasn’t meant to be.”
The two-point conversion gave the Lions a 64-62 win over Faith. The loss pushes the Flames back to 0-2 in district play.
Faith Academy has lost the last two games. Last week, the Flames lost a barn burner to Austin Hill Country, 84-68. Against Temple, Faith was hoping to get back on the winning track.
The Flames even led 28-26 at the half.
But during the first half, Faith’s Will Diamond suffered an injury.
“Will didn’t play much of the second half,” Denney said.
Diamond’s speed and quickness has been a big part of the Faith offense. He’s a threat anytime he’s on the field. Last week against Austin Hill Country, Diamond returned two kickoffs for touchdowns. His ability to turn any play into a big play has helped keep the Flames a major threat in six-man football.
On the other side of the ball for the Flames, defensive leader Kyle Bridges played the entire game with a hurt shoulder.
“He hurt his shoulder last week against Austin Hill Country and it was still bothering him tonight,” Denney said. “But he came out and played the whole game.”
Even with Diamond hurt and Bridges playing with an injury, the Flames still managed to put 62 points on the board. It looked like it would be enough as the game entered the final minute with the Flames up, 62-56.
But the Lions added a final touchdown and then capped it off with a two-point conversion.
“We had our chance. Now we have to regroup and get ready for next week,” Denney said. “But these kids fought hard and they never gave up. They played with a lot of class out there. I’m extremely proud of them.”
daniel@thepicayune.com