APA prepares for state title football game against Grace Christian Saturday
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Arendell Parrott coach Matt Beaman talks to quarterback Wilkes Thomas during a practice Wednesday in preparation for Saturday’s state championship game. The Patriots take on Grace Christian for a chance to win their third title in the past five years.
It’s a cliché coaches use on a regular basis, but Arendell Parrott Academy has taken it to heart this season.
Next man up.
The Patriots lost starting quarterback Reynolds Barringer early in the season, then lost running back Trey McLawhorn during a 73-60 win over Faith Christian in the NCISAA 2A semifinals Nov. 1. Still, APA prepares to host Grace Christian Saturday with a chance to win its third state title in the past five years.
“We’ve been a very resilient group,” Patriots coach Matt Beaman said. “The guys prepare for this moment — all of them work hard in the weight room.”
APA has plenty of advantages in this game, despite the injuries. The Patriots have never lost to Grace Christian in five meetings, including a 51-36 victory on Oct. 4, and are hosting Saturday’s contest as the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. The Patriots’ lone two losses this year came to 11-man teams and APA is 8-0 in 8-man football this season, also holding the distinction as No. 1 in the state according to Maxpreps.
Beaman said the team has to keep the same mentality, which has helped in putting together the eight-game winning streak.
“We’re going to have to come out and be the most mentally tough team (and) the most physical team. We’ve got to win the line of scrimmage and play turnover-free football. If we can be the most disciplined team, I think we’ll come out with a victory.”
McLawhorn had 307 yards of offense and three rushing touchdowns in the first meeting with Grace Christian, but a knee injury ended his season last week. The senior, who rushed for 1,690 yards and 22 touchdowns while also catching 27 passes for 437 yards and four scores, said the offense should be able to continue moving the ball well without him.
“We’re going to have to stay strong,” McLawhorn said. “Our O-line did a great job last time moving defenders, and I think that we’ll be just fine with Morgan (McPhaul) running the ball. As long as that happens, we’ll be fine.”
The sophomore McPhaul has carried the ball 18 times for 202 yards and three touchdowns this season. McPhaul said he’s been working hard throughout the season and is ready for the chance to help the team.
“Coach said ‘next man up,’ and I feel like I’m ready to take over for Trey,” McPhaul said. “We talked a lot, and I think I can really step in and do what he’s been able to this season for us.”
Barringer said he’s had no problems assisting new quarterback Wilkes Thomas, as he has continued to cheer the Patriots on.
“It’s been fun helping Wilkes become a better quarterback,” Barringer said. “Even though I’m not out there, seeing my friends make it here has made my senior year almost perfect — the team just has to win Saturday. We’ve dealt with injuries all season, but there’s always been someone there to step up.”
Thomas has filled in admirably, throwing for 1,720 yards and completing 66.4 percent of his passes. The freshman has thrown for 21 touchdowns compared to only four interceptions to give APA another dimension.
“I’m just staying with the position, working hard and trying to get better every game,” Thomas said.
Defensively, the Patriots are looking to curb the Grace Christian passing attack. In the first meeting, the Eagles threw for 316 yards, averaging 21.1 yards per completion.
“We’ve been preparing all week on making sure we don’t give up any big plays,” Patriots defensive back Hunter Blythe said. “We have to stay on top of our game and if we do that, we should keep them under control.”
Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.
