“Friday Night Lights” has a new meaning for students at Trinity Christian Academy. The football team has moved from 6-man to 11-man, opening them up to a brand new division.
“We know that there will be some technical differences,” said head coach Joe Hamstra. “Some of the players will be in different positions, the plays will be different, and the entire game will be a little more aggressive but we are ready,” said Hamstra.”
Some of the students have been attending TCA since they were in pre-k. The student body has grown in size, and when their academic department expanded, athletics followed.
“I’ve been waiting for a long time, and this is exciting,” said Audrey Wortham, a junior at TCA and member of the cheerleading squad. “Our school can hang with the big dogs. Even though we’re a private school, we can still play competitive sports like the rest of the state,” she said.
Even though football is king in Texas, and the students love the game, their inspiration and drive comes from a different place.
“The Lord has given us gifts and talents, and I think its cool to show people that the Lord has given us the strength and energy to raise to those expectations,” said Wortham.
Nathan Chesney, who is a senior and a safety on the field, agrees.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
“I’ve been waiting four years for this,” he said. “We set the scoring record last year of 115 points with 6-man, and with 11-man we’re going to have the same determination. In fact, being a Christian gives us that reason to go out there and do our best. We’re not out there for ourselves, we’re out there for each other and God’s glory,” said Chesney.
Kick off for the TCA Eagles is Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. against Irving Highlands.
