Christ Presbyterian Academy Upsets Brentwood Academy in Tennessee High School Football Opener
In a surprising turn of events, Christ Presbyterian Academy (CPA) shocked Brentwood Academy in the high school football opener in Tennessee. CPA staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the host team by a narrow margin of 17-16 at Carlton Flatt Field, overcoming a 16-3 halftime deficit. The victory marked a forgettable weekend for Division II-AAA’s East Region, which finished the opening week of the 2023 TSSAA season with a disappointing 2-4 record.
Brentwood Academy, known for its strong football program, was highly regarded in the state, and CPA coach Ingle Martin made sure to acknowledge their opponent’s reputation. Martin said, This is one of the best programs in the state. Nothing but respect for Brentwood Academy. When we have guys like George MacIntyre competing against us, it was a really great game.
The East Region of Division II-AAA had a challenging start to the season, with only two teams, McCallie and Knoxville Catholic, managing to secure victories. This raises questions about the region’s ranking as the No. 4 toughest in the country, as assessed by High School Football America. However, it would be premature to overreact at this stage. Some of the losses suffered by teams in the East Region, including Lipscomb Academy’s defeat to powerhouse IMG Academy and Baylor’s loss to Rabun Gap-Naccoochee from Georgia, were to formidable opponents.
Nevertheless, CPA’s triumph over Brentwood Academy is undoubtedly an eye-opener. The Lions boast a talented roster comprising three members of The Tennessean’s 2023 Dandy Dozen, namely Ondre Evans (committed to LSU), Crews Law (committed to North Carolina), and John Wayne Oliver (committed to Ole Miss). Their skills and determination played a pivotal role in the team’s victory.
CPA senior Jackson Mathews, who intercepted a late pass from Brentwood Academy’s George MacIntyre on a fourth-and-27 desperation play, emphasized the team’s unwavering belief in themselves. Mathews said, All our guys, we just all believed. In the locker room everyone was screaming, ‘Just believe; keep believing, don’t stop.’
The key to CPA’s success was their ability to slow down MacIntyre, who is regarded as the top quarterback prospect in the country for the Class of 2025. After an impressive first half, in which he completed all 14 of his passes for 143 yards, MacIntyre struggled in the second half. CPA’s defensive front finally found a way to apply pressure, limiting MacIntyre to just 54 passing yards in the final two quarters. He finished the game with 197 yards, one touchdown, and an interception.
The Lions turned the tide in the second half with the help of two sophomores. Wide receiver Owen Cabell, who already holds an offer from the University of Tennessee, scored a crucial 16-yard touchdown reception from teammate Braden Streeter late in the third quarter. Another standout, Rawls Patterson, sealed the comeback with a six-yard touchdown run, giving CPA the lead with just 3:50 remaining in the game.
CPA’s victory not only showcases their resilience but also sets a high standard for the team moving forward. Patterson expressed his delight, saying, It just feels like we’re a come-from-behind team. It’s awesome (to win). This just sets kind of a bar of where we should be and where we should go from here.
While the defeat may be disappointing for Brentwood Academy, it is important to recognize the exceptional performance by CPA. With their talented roster and determination, CPA proved that they are a force to be reckoned with. The outcome of this game serves as a reminder that anything can happen in high school football, adding excitement and anticipation to the rest of the season.
In conclusion, Christ Presbyterian Academy’s surprise upset over Brentwood Academy in the Tennessee high school football opener has set the stage for an intriguing season ahead. CPA’s remarkable comeback victory not only highlights their talent but also raises questions about the East Region of Division II-AAA. This result serves as a reminder that in the world of high school football, anything is possible, and underdogs can emerge victorious.
