Paladins to Host North Cobb Christian in Varsity Football Crossover Game

The emergence of a stronger passing attack for the Fellowship Christian School football team game is the direct result of the team's hard work on the ground game.

"It comes off of the run," head coach Tim McFarlin said. "As the result of our run game, we are able to have success passing. Our speed picked up in the run game last week. It was a pure blessing to the coaching staff how Josh [Cole] handled going to fullback. Most of the time it's the tailback who gets most of the notoriety. But often times the fullback is the catalyst with his blocking, which was the case as Josh opened the holes. Scott Buck and Josh really set the tone and made the blocks for Nick Persiano and Noah Falcon last Friday. They had confidence in the guy's blocking hard for them."

The Paladins improved to 2-1 overall with a 43-20 victory over The B.E.S.T. Academy in a non-Region game played on Sept. 10 at Bob Lord Field.

Fellowship faces North Cobb Christian School at Bob Lord Field in a Region crossover contest. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.

"It's been good," McFarlin said about his team's preparations for NCCS. "We're battling some injuries, but it's actually helping us develop our depth. Injuries are always a challenge for any team. But the good news is guys are developing on the field and contributing."

Fellowship enters the game with a 4-0 all-time record over the Eagles in varsity football. NCCS enters the game with a 2-2 record this season, including road wins on Aug 20 at Saint Francis (24-14) and Aug. 27 at Hebron Christian (24-14). The Eagles have lost two contests at home – 28-0 to Calvary Day on Sept. 10 and 28-18 to Whitefield Academy.

In addition to building balance on offense, the Paladins have made strides on defense following a week two loss at Trinity Christian School on Sept. 3.

"They are going to continue to make progress [on defense]," McFarlin said. "Our schemes are complex, and the boys will grow into it. We are pleased with how they are doing. Every week we continue to get better."

Cole leads the Paladin defense with 22 total tackles, 10 solo stops and 12 assisted tackles, and shares the lead with one interception. Junior Jonathan Long is next on the team with 15 total tackles and eight solo stops.

Sophomore Billy Jackson ranks second on the squad with eight assists and shares third with 10 total tackles. Junior Kyle Elphick has also registered 10 tackles (three solo, seven assists) and has one interception to share the team lead.

On offense, Cole has split time at fullback and tailback. He leads the club with 42 carries and 185 yards and ranks second with two rushing TDs. Falcon ranks second on the team with 33 carries and 130 yards, while Persiano is third with 15 attempts and 111 yards and tops the Paladins with three rushing touchdowns.

Junior quarterback Caleb McMickle has completed 28-of-51 pass attempts for 418 yards and six touchdowns. He's been intercepted twice and sacked three times with one rushing TD.

Cole leads Fellowship receivers with 113 yards, has grabbed five passes and has also made one TD catch. Sophomore Josh Milhollin leads the team with nine catches and has earned one TD catch and 103 receiving yards. Elphick's three TD grabs top FCS. The tight end has caught four passes for 89 yards, while senior Sam Albee has three catches for 57 yards and one score.

For the season, FCS has out gained its opponents, 884-868, and holds a 466-359 on the ground. Overall, the Paladins have 418 passing yards.

(Photo by Larry Moore)

FCS Runners Compete in Run at the River Event; Girls Finish Second

The boys and girls middle school cross country squad from Fellowship Christian School competed in River Watch Middle School’s Run at the River event held in Suwanee on Sept. 15.

The Lady Paladin runners brought home second place in the girls team competition.

“Both teams had many PRs even on a rainy night with a tough course,” head coach Holly Quinn said. “The girls placed four runners in the top 20 for the meet. Our boys team ran great and were stacked together well with three runners in the top 40 for the meet. I am super proud of all our runners and their efforts in three different races last night.”