Herrmann Helps Club Volleyball Team Qualify for Trip to National 18U Championships

After outstanding performance this past weekend at the Sunshine State National Qualifier, Fellowship Christian School senior Taylor Herrmann and her teammates on her Mizuno A5 club team have received a bid to compete at the USA Volleyball 18U National Championships in Reno, Nevada being held May 1-3

View the team's video.

(Submitted photo)

Varsity Paladin Boys Soccer Team Posts Area Win at Saint Francis

The Fellowship Christian School varsity boys soccer team ended a two-game losing streak with a road victory on March 12.

The Paladins (1-2 in Area play and 3-4 overall) posted a 6-2 win at Saint Francis in Alpharetta. It was an Area match.

Junior Brad Rodgers recorded the hat trick for FCS, which led 3-0 at halftime.

In the first half, sophomore Jacob Welty scored a memorable goal early in the contest with a side volley from about 18 yards, while Brad Rodgers tallied the second goal, which truly was a thing of beauty, multiple one and two touch combination passing led to a beautiful penetrating ball that Rodgers ran onto and smashed into the Saint Francis net at 11:23 and his brother Matt Rodgers (a junior) tallied a goal with 20 seconds left in the half.

Following a Knight goal early in the second half, freshman Ethan Durham scored at 25:59 for Fellowship. Brad Rodgers answered another Saint Francis goal with two more tallies at 15:12 and 11:14.

FCS out shot Saint Francis 8-6 in the first half. The Knights took seven shots in the second half to six from FCS.

Freshman Trey Weatherby recorded six saves in the first half, and junior Jackson Albee finished with six saves in the final 40 minutes.

"This was in my opinion our most complete performance this season," head coach Andy Trevers said. "In the first half we truly dominated play and the scoreboard at half time reflected that fact. In the second half, FCS started a little slow, but to Saint Francis credit they dominated the first 15 minutes and pulled an early goal back. However, I was very proud of the way the boys rebounded to get back into the game. The remainder of the second half was a very even contest. FCS capitalized on finishing the chances they created, something that has escaped them in prior matches, and continued to keep a two-goal lead for the remainder of the match. We had numerous strong performances in this game. Of course the goal scorers are so important, but our midfield trio of Sawyer, Welty and Hungerbuhler won the area of the field, that was key."

It could be the last soccer game in a little while for the Paladins.

"With the events of the last few weeks and decisions to close down most school systems, we are praying for everyone as they navigate the next few weeks and supernatural wisdom and discernment for the governing bodies who have some challenging decision to make in the coming weeks," Trevers said.

(Photos by Martha Heid and Scott Sawyer)

FCS Beats Walker to Post Varsity Baseball Doubleheader Sweep

The Fellowship Christian School varsity boys baseball team completed a doubleheader sweep of The Walker School on March 7.

In Marietta, the Paladins rallied from a 4-1 deficit to post an 8-5 victory in game two of the doubleheader at Walker.

With two victories on March 7, the Paladins improved to 7-0 overall and 2-0 in Region games.

"So thankful for today as our boys came out and they understood the task at hand and we went after it with an intensity that we were the better team and we needed to show it," head coach Shawn Oliver said. "Our pitchers did well today hitting spots. We had one bad inning [in second game], but we had a bounce back in the next one and then we had some wonderful long relief from Thomas [Bourne] and then a big save from a freshman [Cooper Davidson]. Our defense is something we can definitely hang our hats on as we had some phenomenal plays in the field. Having Preston and David on the left side is a security blanket for our pitchers. I am thankful for another day to be their coach as the Lord has definitely blessed me with some wonderful young men."

Walker scored four runs in the top half of the fourth inning to take a 4-1 lead. But Fellowship scored three runs in the third, two in the fourth and two in the fifth to grab an 8-4 lead. The Wolverines scored one run in the top of the sixth.

Sophomore Thomas Bourne threw three innings in relief to pick up the win. He struck out two, walked three, gave up two hits and allowed just one earned run. Senior Preston Joye started, went three innings and allowed four earned runs. He fanned four.

Freshman Cooper Davidson closed out the game with an inning of scoreless relief in the top half of the seventh inning. He walked one and allowed one hit as he picked up the save.

At the plate, Fellowship collected nine hits in the Region contest. Freshman Jack Rickheim collected three hits, including one double, to lead the Paladins, while Davidson and junior Matson Grose each registered two hits.

Grose, Rickheim, juniors Andrew Davidson and Luke Schmidt, and Joye all drove in one run.

The Paladins posted an 8-3 win over the Wolverines in game one.

Fellowship pounded out 10 hits in the game, including two apiece from freshman Cooper Davidson, Grose and Joye.

Junior Luke Schmidt led the way with two RBIs for FCS, which scored two runs in the top of the second inning, one apiece in the third, fourth and fifth innings and three more in the sixth. Walker scored once in the fifth and twice in the sixth.

Juniors David Bishop, Andrew Davidson and Garrett Hauenstein each knocked in one run. Cooper Davidson also had one RBI. Joye smacked a double for Fellowship.

Senior George Moraitakis, who started and went six innings, picked up the win. He struck out four, scattered three hits and allowed just two earned runs. Junior Noah Goss threw the final inning in relief.

Late Goal Hands Paladins a Loss to KR on the Road

Despite a strong effort, the Fellowship Christian School varsity boys soccer team came up a little bit short in its last match.

The Paladins dropped a 3-2 decision in a hard-fought Area match played on March 6 at King's Ridge Christian School.

Freshman Bradley Hungerbuhler scored both goals for FCS, which led 1-0 at halftime.

The Tigers ted the match at 1-1 on a goal off a corner kick early in the second half.

Hungerbuhler's second goal put FCS in front 2-1 with about 20 minutes left. However, King's Ridge tied it with about eight minutes left and scored the winning tally on a PK late in the contest.

Freshman Trey Weatherby played well in the goal for the Paladins, now 0-2 in Area play and 2-4 overall.

(Photos by Scott Sawyer)

Paladin Varsity Boys Lax Team Falls at Home to 7A Etowah

The Fellowship Christian School varsity boys lacrosse team fought hard against a very good 7A Etowah High School team but came up short.

The Paladins (1-3 overall) dropped a 17-11 decision to Etowah at Bob Lord Field on March 5.

Junior Josh McLaughlin led FCS with four goals and six points. Sophomore Cole Keim netted three goals, while sophomore Nate Poulos collected two goals.

Juniors Murphy Reeves and Michael Schenken each scored one goal.

Keim had a team-high five ground balls followed by senior Michael Pineyro with four.

Pineyro led the defense with four forced turnovers followed by senior Max Karetny with three.

(Photo by Sheila Pineyro)

Three Lady Paladin Basketball Players Receive All-Region Recognition

Three players from the Fellowship Christian School varsity girls basketball team have received post-season honors.

Sophomore Cate Hardin was named Second Team All Region for 6A.

Sophomore Kaya Beard and senior Emma Jones received honorable mention status.

(Submitted Photo)

Paladin Boys and Girls Teams Post Varsity Soccer Wins at Home Over Mt. Bethel

In the first game of the evening on a cold night at Bob Lord Field, the Lady Paladins won for the third straight time.

Fellowship (3-1 overall) posted a 9-0 victory in a non-Area contest against Mt. Bethel Christian Academy on Feb. 28.

Six different Lady Paladins scored goals, including two apiece from seniors Alisha Benbow and Ellie Jackson.

"We were pleased with the consistency of our performance this evening, maintaining good possession rhythms and scoring early," head coach Andy Trevers said. "We challenged the players in a number of different ways to take them outside their comfort zones, and we were pleased with their response. But what I was most proud of was the sportsmanship and character they showed. They played with class and dignity."

The Lady Paladins were credited with a goal as Mt. Bethel had an own goal just 1:01 into the game.

Sophomore Maggie Lee scored at 38:28, followed by goals by junior Maddie Creekmore (37:50) and Benbow at 19:24 and 18:14. Junior Lindsay Young closed out the first half scoring to make it 6-0 with a tally at 16:06.

In the second half, Jackson scored a pair of goals at 31:38 and 26:52. Senior Lillie Ward fired home a goal at 29:52.

Jackson assisted Benbow's second tally.

Senior Emma Jones kept a clean sheet. It was Fellowship's third straight shutout win.

The boys team evened its record at 2-2 with a 7-1 non-Area victory over Mt. Bethel Christian Academy at Bob Lord Field.

Freshman Ethan Durham led the way with three goals, while freshman Bradley Hungerbuhler scored two goals.

Freshman Kevin Ghobrial netted his first varsity goal in the contest.

Junior Matt Rodgers also scored a goal.

The Paladins out shot Mt. Bethel, 39-6. Freshman Trey Weatherby recorded five saves to earn the win.

Bryan Sullivan, the backup goaltender, replaced injured starter Ben Williford early in the first half and recorded many saves to keep Mt. Bethel close.

"With Area play beginning next week it was important to challenge the team with being more consistent throughout the entire contest," head coach Andy Trevers said. "The boys showed a much higher level of play for 80 minutes, and this reflected on the field and the final outcome. Our speed of play and creativity at times was fantastic. Now onto Area, and although you really cannot tell too much from results, this Area looks to be setting up as a fun season long battle for the two teams fighting for a State Playoff berth."

Fellowships teams open Area play on March 3 when they host Mount Pisgah Christian School. The girls match begins at 5 p.m., followed by the boys contest.

On Friday night, the Paladins jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first half on two goals by Durham, and goals from Ghobrial, Hungerbuhler and Rodgers. The goals came at 26:30, 20:33, 15:59, 10:40 and 8:16 of the first half.

Following Alex Lattimore's goal for the Eagles at 31:30 of the second half, the Paladins scored at 27:13 (Durham) and at 10:18 (Hungerbuhler).

Streak Continues: Paladin Baseball Team Beats Model 11-2 for Fifth Straight Victory

The Fellowship Christian School varsity boys baseball team pounded out 16 hits and scored 11 runs to keep its win streak alive.

Junior David Bishop and senior Preston Joye each collected four hits to lead the 5-0 Paladins to an 11-2 victory over Model High School in Rome on Feb. 28.

"Anytime you can start with a two-bagger [Cooper Davidson] and a bomb [Preston Joye] that sets the tone we want as an offense," head coach Shawn Oliver said. "Our boys put the pedal down and when Model threatened they answered back with a five spot. The defense was solid as we expect and Thomas did a great job settling in and keeping their hitters off balance. Glad we could finish out of Region play with a solid W. Now it's time to turn up the intensity as we begin Region play. I am thankful I get to work with these boys another day! I love every minute of it."

Joye stroked a home run and finished with a team-high four RBIs. Both freshman Cooper Davidson, who had three hits, and Bishop smacked doubles and registered two RBIs.

Junior Garrett Hauenstein finished with two RBIs and one hit, while junior Luke Schmidt scored two runs and had one hit. Joye scored three runs, while both Davidson and Bishop scored twice.

As a team, Fellowship scored three runs in the first inning, two in the fourth, one in the fifth and five in the seventh inning.

Sophomore starter Thomas Bourne picked up the win in five innings of work. He struck out four and allowed one earned run. Junior Noah Goss threw the final two innings.

Fellowship Girls Lax Team Downs Baylor School in Alpharetta

In a recently added contest, the Fellowship Christian School varsity girls lacrosse team defeated the Baylor School of Chattanooga, Tenn., 19-3, at Alpharetta North Park on Feb. 28.

It was the team's final of two games played on consecutive evenings.

With the win, the Lady Paladins improved to 5-1 overall. The club has now won three straight contests.

"We are happy to see scoring spread out amongst the offense," director of girls lacrosse Tracy Morgan said. "Seniors Abby Beard and Charlotte Berg were good for multiple visits to the back of the net. The Menna sisters and Brooke Beard triangulated multiple goals and assists. Our defense was strong, and middies Lexi Menna and Graylyn Waggoner proved to be valuable on multiple occasions on both side of the ball.

"We were happy to have the opportunity to play a team from outside the ATL, and to have performed so well against them," Morgan said. "Offense is beginning to gel and defense is continuing to get stronger."

On Feb. 27, the Lady Paladins downed Mount Pisgah Christian School at Bob Lord Field, 23-9, in its league opener.

Lady Paladins beat Pinecrest, Notches Third Girls Lacrosse Victory of Season

The Fellowship Christian School varsity girls lacrosse team has earned its third win of the season.

The Lady Paladins (3-1 overall) bounced back from Wednesday's loss at 6A Harrison High School with a 16-0 shutout victory over non-league Pinecrest Academy at Bob Lord Field on Feb. 21.

Fellowship has lost just three matches since the 2018 season. The club set a school record with a 17-2 record in 2019.

"It was a game that allowed everyone to see the field and make an impact," director of girls lacrosse Tracy Morgan said. "We worked on the things we've challenged them with, and we also had the opportunity to try new things."

Freshman Ella Nokes (two goals, two assists) and senior Charlotte Berg (three goals, one assist) finished with four points each. Nokes went 5-for-5 in faceoffs.

Freshman Gabby Klatt and sophomore Graylyn Waggoner both finished with two goals and one assist. Waggoner shared the team lead with four shots and topped the team with four ground balls.

Junior Lexi Menna and senior Abby Beard each scored two goals, while freshman Ava Menna collected one goal and one assist. Abby Beard also took four shots. Lexi Menna reached 100 career high school goals in the game.

Freshman Cate Stroud and junior Brooke Beard scored one goal apiece.

Freshman goalkeeper Katie Schuster played the entire game. She did not record a save.

(Submitted photo)

Paladins Open Season with League Win over Mount Vernon

The Fellowship Christian School varsity boys lacrosse team kicked off the season with a victory.

The Paladins defeated Mount Vernon Presbyterian School, 17-6, in a league contest played at Bob Lord Field on Feb. 21.

Junior Josh McLaughlin led FCS with seven goals and eight points. Sophomore Nate Poulos netted five goals, while sophomore Cole Keim added three goals and two assists.

Junior Michael Schenken collected two goals and two assists. Junior Joey Archer collected three assists, while senior Michael Pineyro and freshman Ryan Marsh added one assist apiece.

"We played a great first match," director of lacrosse Lou Corsetti said. "Joey Archer had a great game at faceoff. The defense led by Michael Pineyro.

Drew Fiscus played an outstanding game [in goal]."

(Photo by Sheila Pineyro)

Rickheim's Single Gives FCS Extra-Inning Victory

Freshman Jack Rickheim's clutch hit lifted the Fellowship Christian School varsity baseball team to its third victory of the season.

Rickheim's walk-off single on a 3-0 count plated the winning run in the bottom of the eighth inning as Fellowship defeated AA Model High School of Rome at Lakepoint Sports Complex in Emerson, Ga., 2-1, on Feb. 19. The game was moved up two days from Winchester Field at Paladin Park due to the weather forecast.

The Paladins finished with eight hits in the game. Rickheim, junior Garrett Hauenstein and senior Preston Joye all collected two hits.

Juniors Andrew Davidson and Matson Grose both finished with one hit. Grose and Rickheim each collected a double.

Davidson's RBI tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the third. Model scored one run in the top half of the first inning.

Junior Noah Goss threw three innings of hitless relief to post the victory. He struck out three and walked just one batter.

Senior starter George Moraitakis scattered five hits over five innings and allowed just one earned run. He fanned five Model batters.

"These kind of games give the ole ball coach some grey hairs in the beard, but I'm so proud of our guys," head coach Shawn Oliver said. "Fighting tooth and nail with a quality program, and finding a way to win the game was huge. George and Noah were absolute dudes on the bump allowing our defense to make plays and give us a chance to win this game. Matson manned up behind the dish and blocked every ball, David had some great plays at third, Luke diving into the RF fence, and Preston is as smooth as butter. Offensively their guy was doing a good job keeping us off balance, we just refused to be an easy out and did the little things. Just an awesome performance by our guys, I love that I get to be their coach, thankful for another day with my Paladins."

(Photo submitted)

Valentine's Day Baseball: Paladins Down 5A Fayette County, 18-1; Sweep Doubleheader

The Fellowship Christian School varsity boys baseball team pounded out 22 hits in a doubleheader sweep of a 5A opponent. It was the team's first two games of the regular season.

"We absolutely hammered the baseball today," head coach Shawn Oliver said. "We challenged our guys after the scrimmage to attack the middle of the field and they did exactly that. Pitchers filled up the zone and our defense played strong through some tough conditions. I love every second I get with these guys and thankful for my coaches for helping our boys grow."

The Paladins (2-0 overall) claimed the second game over Fayette County High School, 18-1, in a four-inning contest played in Fayetteville on Feb. 14.

Fellowship collected 11 hits as a team, including four players with multiple-high games. Junior David Bishop led the way with three hits. Freshman Cooper Davidson, junior Luke Schmidt and senior Preston Joye each collected two hits.

Junior Garrett Hauenstein, Bishop and Joye drove home three runs apiece.

Freshman Jack Rickheim, Schmidt, Cooper Davidson and junior Andrew Davidson earned one RBI each.

Sophomore Thomas Bourne started the game on the mound. He allowed one hit and one run, struck out one and picked up the win. Junior Noah Goss threw one inning in relief.

The Paladins scored 11 runs in the first inning, added three in the second, one in the third and three in the fourth.

On Feb. 14, the Paladins pounded out 11 hits in a 15-0 game one victory called after three innings.

A total of nine players notched at least one hit for Fellowship, which scored one run in the first inning and played 14 runs in the third.

Joye led FCS with three RBIs, collected two hits and also tossed the complete-game win on the mound. Joye allowed just one hit and struck out five in three innings.

Andrew Davidson collected two hits, and had one RBI. Cooper Davidson and junior Matson Grose both drove in two runs. Rickheim, juniors Jonthan Morris and Luke Schmidt, and senior Brandon Reeves all earned one RBI.

(File photo of head coach Shawn Oliver)

Paladins Blank Landmark for First Victory of 2020

The Fellowship Christian School varsity boys soccer team posted a shutout victory on the road on Feb. 11.

The Paladins (1-1 overall) notched a 3-0 victory over Landmark Christian School at Peachtree City MOBA's turf soccer stadium. The game was moved to Peachtree City due to wet weather conditions at Landmark's home field.

On a rainy night, two freshmen players netted their first varsity goals in the victory.

FCS' goal scorers in the game were junior Brad Rodgers and freshmen Ethan Durham and Bradley Hungerbuhler. Both Rodgers and Durham picked up an assist in the match.

Freshman Trey Weatherby played in goal for Fellowship and earned the clean sheet.

The game was scoreless in the second half. FCS led 3-0 at halftime.

(Photos by John Heid and Scott Sawyer)

Fellowship Tennis Teams Set to Kick Off Season against Providence Feb. 20; Feb. 11 Matches Rained Out

The Fellowship Christian School varsity girls and boys tennis teams kick off the season on Feb. 20.

Due to the recent rains, the Fellowship boys and girls match against The Weber School on Feb. 11 at Paladin Park has been cancelled. The season opener will now be on Feb. 20 against Providence Christian Academy at Paladin Park, beginning at 4 p.m.

Jason Kennedy enters his fifth season as the team's coach, and Pat Guerry is the community coach.

"We feel the girls are the strength of the team," Kennedy said. "We have a strong nucleus with our senior girls. Our goals are for them to make the Region tournament again."

Fellowship's seniors include Layne Burke, Alissa Gaddis and Virginia Guerry.

The girls went 5-7 in 2018, and are coming off a 3-9 campaign in 2017.

The boys team has not done as well in recent seasons, but Kennedy is excited about the talent level in middle school.

"We know we have talent on the boys side in middle school," he said. "I watched them play in the fall, and we know there were some very good eighth graders on that team. We are excited for them to join the high school program."

The boys and girls teams have both been preparing for the season well.

"Our practices have been great," Kennedy said. "The spring can be difficult because of the weather, but we are excited about the new players who have joined our program and what they are showing in practice. We seem always need more guys, but we do have a lot of returners. We anticipate being very competitive this season."

Several of the squad's key players are competing all year in tennis.

"That has helped their growth," Kennedy said. "We tend to have good team camaraderie, which has helped our program grow. It's too early to know what to expect in Region play, but we are prepared."