Grace Academy Griffins Overpowered 54-6 by Division I Founders Classical Archers

GEORGETOWN, Texas — In a classic case of David versus Goliath, the Grace Academy Griffins — playing without two key starters in Cole Campbell (injured) and multi-phase weapon Leeman (injured) — were simply outmanned Thursday night, falling 54-6 to a bigger, faster Founders Classical squad from TAIAO’s top division.

The Archers wasted no time asserting their physical superiority, racing out to a 30-6 halftime lead and never looking back. Founders racked up 396 total yards (267 rushing) and scored seven touchdowns — four through the air and three on the ground — while the Griffins managed only 79 yards and three first downs all evening.

Junior running back Elijah Heilig, who had been feasting on smaller defenses all season, was bottled up for just 5 yards on 9 carries. With Campbell sidelined, quarterback Bridger Maxwell was forced to carry the offense himself, rushing 18 times for 24 yards while completing only 4 of 15 passes for 50 yards and one touchdown (an 11-yard strike to Samuel Moore in the second quarter).

Defensively, Grace simply had no answer for Founders’ size and team speed. The Archers converted 3 of 5 third downs and gashed the Griffins for chunk plays all night, including a 39-yard touchdown pass and runs of 38 and 26 yards.

Junior captain Samuel Moore was a bright spot in an otherwise tough night, leading the team with 9 total tackles and hauling in the Griffins’ lone score.

Final Stats

• Grace Academy: 79 total yards, 3 first downs, 3-19 on third/fourth down combined

• Founders Classical: 396 total yards, 16 first downs, 7 touchdowns

• Turnovers: Grace 1 (INT), Founders 0

The loss drops Grace Academy to 2-2 on the season, but the schedule now flips back to Division II and III opponents where the Griffins remain very much alive in the district race. Thursday night was a humbling reminder that, even on their home field, stepping up two full divisions without two starters is a tall order.

Next week Grace returns to D-III play looking to get healthy, getting Leeman back in the lineup, and get back to the explosive brand of football that saw them score 50+ points in three of their first four games.

Final: Founders Classical (D-I) 54, Grace Academy Griffins 6