HCA Ends Season with Loss to Davidson Day

The Harrells Christian Academy football team lost to Davidson Day, 52-6, on Friday night in the semi-finals of the NCISAA Division II State Playoffs. Patriots have had the Crusader's number in the past three years and continued their success on Friday night.

Davidson Day did not take any time to find the end zone as the Patriots marched down the field and scored on a 37 yard touchdown pass. The Crusaders then found themselves marching down the field but were stopped after a interception on a halfback pass by Marcus Scarborough that was returned for a touchdown  to extend the Patriots lead to 14-0 with 8:45 left in the first quarter.

Harrells was then forced to punt on fourth down but recovered the ball after the returner for the Patriots muffed the punt on the Davidson Day 20 yard line. The Crusaders converted off the Patriot turnover on a 1 yard touchdown run by OH Rouse to tighten the Patriots lead to 14-6.

Davidson Day answered back with a 52 yard touchdown pass on the Patriots first offensive play to extend their lead to 20-6 with 4:21 left to play first quarter. The Patriots went on to score three more touchdowns before the half to lengthen their lead to 40-6.

The Crusaders did not find the end zone for the remainder of the game ending their season with a 52-6 loss to the three time defending state champions. The Patriots take on South Lake Christian next week in the finals of the NCISAA State Playoffs.

Marcus Scarborough finished the game with 108 yards on 26 carries for the Crusaders. Fredrick Strickland led the Crusaders on defense with 7 tackles.

Harrells Christian closes out the 2014 season with a record of 6-6. The Crusaders look to win their first state title since 2008 next year as Davidson Day and South Lake Christian both move up to Division III. HCA has claimed 13 state titles in the history of the football program. The Crusaders will be under the leadership of six seniors who look to bring home a state title.