I had (Petit). The most recent updates will appear at the top of the wall dating back to prior seasons. First Baptist Academy is a premier Christian college preparatory school, serving preschool through 12th grade. Our offense is the best that we play and we say that we are the best they play, FBA senior linebacker Michael Votta said. First Baptist Academy is a discipleship school committed to training the future leaders of the Kingdom of God. We say it every day, but the best competition that we have is in practice. The defense held strong the rest of the way, while Mellien and Jaden Booker chewed the clock with the ground game. First touchdown pass gave me a lot of confidence, and I just kept out there and kept slinging, Crossan said. It's not that they want to beat their opponent.". Support local journalism with this special subscription offerathttps://cm.naplesnews.com/specialoffer/, First Baptist's Joe Sparacio signs early with Boston College. Mark has a Bachelor degree in Secondary Education, a Masters degree in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary, and is certified as a Texas school counselor. I'm super proud of our kids, and they worked hard all season, and I love our coaching staff, they work hard. Then in the fourth, after stopping Chardon on the 1, First Baptist went 99 yards and scored on a slant pass from Crossan to Clemson commit Olsen Henry. The second half was more of the same the Lions extended the lead when Crossan hit Sam Sparacio for a 21-yard score on a drive that started inside their own 10-yard line. COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. From 18 Southwest Florida high school football teams making the playoffs, down to just one First Baptist Academy. As the clock expired after a Rich Mellien kneel, head coach Billy Sparacio gave bear hugs to his assistants and his wife naturally with a Gatorade shower in between. But it was awesome, a great experience, a great crowd on both sides.". She leads FBAs growing International Student Education program for students from across the globe looking for a private school education in Dallas. He graduated from Texas Tech University with a BS in Electrical Engineering in 2003 and, after a short stint in the corporate world, completed a Master of Theology from Dallas Seminary in 2011. First Baptist Academy It means a lot to be honest because we could be one of the very first teams in the area to do it. Ethans so great, said Henry, who finished the game on crutches after injuring his ankle on defense. First Baptist Academy Football rides unstoppable offense to State Championship, Forecast: Hazy & humid, isolated inland stormswith near-record heat this week, Buoy in Florida Keys measures 101.1-degree water temperature, Naples' Havana Layton to compete in two college sports. "We'll get better. The First Baptist Academy Boys Football season preview, complete with returning player information and program history is available. All of that, including other talented players, makes them one of the most potent offenses in the state. "It was huge. COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. Three local high school football teams will be playing for a chance at a state championship this Friday and for the second straight year First Baptist Academy finds themselves in the final four. This ministry of First Naples uses sports to develop young men and women, while teaching them basic fundamental skills in a variety of sports. Questions? The senior's score put First Baptist Academy up 7-0, and the Lions' never looked back. "I want them to have a great experience. . It's just crazy how this has worked out. "For sure after the game, we plan on getting together and getting a picture and get with the team and talk with the team and everything," Briggs said. I remember crying with her in a classroom and she said its going to take time, he said. Champagnat definitely chomped down after that, scoring 27 straight points, and while not completely shutting down FBA, minimizing its opportunities. Once he gets those jitters out, hes a whole different player. CALL. Him telling us just got us more excited. Jason played NCAA football for 3 years at Baylor University and 1 year at Howard Payne University. Julie brings years of experience in private school administration since 1994 and has a passion for Christian education. Absolutely unbelievable Im so proud of them.. Not in a 2A state semifinal. From the bottom of my heart, its all about what we stand for in Christ, he said. I think it has been brought up a whole lot in the off-season, Coach Sparacio said. So many times we got so close and it hurt, but I think it just builds you. Photos from the the Class 2A-Region 3 football Championship between FBA and Northside Christian on Nov. 26, 2021 at FBA in Naples, Fla. More:Preview, prediction for First Baptist-Trinity Catholic 1S state championship game, This feelings really great, Mellien said. The First Baptist Academy (Naples, FL) varsity football team won Saturday's home playoff game against Trinity Catholic (Ocala, FL) by a score of 21-3. He played in four games and had three tackles last season. The Lions will be playing in the State Championship this weekend, marking the first time the school has made it to the finals. She is certified as an All-levels Principal and Professional Superintendent by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). High school football: Champagnat Catholic rallies - Naples Daily News Support local journalism with this special subscription offerathttps://cm.naplesnews.com/specialoffer/, Watch: Champagnat Catholic beats First Baptist in Class 2A state semifinal. That's what it's all about. Elizabeth joined the FBA family in 2011 and is an alumna. FBA has one of the best offenses in Florida. FBA (10-2) went 3-and-out to start the third quarter, and Yapoor scored again from the 1 to cap an 11-play, 85-yard drive for a 21-8 lead. Senior offensive lineman Tyler Fink described the entire offense as dogs. If you guy by that analogy, the head of the pack is a three-headed monster. We want rings, not streaks.. Ibelieve with all of my heart that's what gets the most out of everyone. . They're great kids. "We're 3-0. You can't let them hang around and we did that, and it came back to bite us. First Baptist Academy - Naples, FL - NFHS Network It vows to stay in Florida, Exclusive: Kroger and Albertsons CEOs give details on controversial $25 billion merger, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. She holds a Bachelors Degree from Liberty University and both a Masters and Ed.S degree from Pensacola Christian College. Varsity Boys Football - First Baptist Academy - Naples - Hudl You know we have made it here a few times over the years and had some really, really quality teams, FBA Head Coach Billy Sparacio said. After forcing another FBA turnover on downs with 51 seconds left in the first half, Champagnat took over at its 37, and took the lead for good after a 51-yard pass from freshman quarterback Ennio Yapoor to Shayon Walton to the FBA 1. Anyone on or off Facebook First Baptist Academy Lions Football vs Neumann Celtics Football With that foundation, people buy into that because they know theres something different about what we stand for at FBA, not just football., This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Lions Roar: First Baptist beats Trinity Christian for first state football title, First Baptist's undersized defense dominates in Class 1S championship, FBA vs. Trinity Catholic 1S state football championship scores, updates, Preview, prediction for First Baptist-Trinity Catholic 1S state championship game, Lions Roar: First Baptist beats Trinity Christian for first state football title. The defense, which features four-year starters like Mellien, Michael Votta and Brody Jameyson, stepped up too. The sports offered include flag football, soccer, basketball, baseball, and cheerleading. First Baptist Academy football players practice on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, in Naples. Susan joined the FBA family in 1989. Naples, FL Share 22,872 views 160 followers Timeline Highlights Team Schedule First Baptist Academy - Varsity Football has a new game recap. All they have to do is look on the field right in front of them. Tyler Dean's Football Recruiting Profile - NCSA College Recruiting Our Team | First Baptist Academy Trent Wilson's Football Recruiting Profile - NCSA College Recruiting Were not tough enough yet to do what we want to do, but I know the kids are going to work.. Sports | First Baptist Church Naples ', "I've already talked to some of my teachers here, and a lot of them are coming up as well. Briggs, who wears No. Unless God intervenes and does the things that He's done in these kids' lives, these things, it's really hard for that to happen. with Ty Keller and 6 other s September 18th, 2021 Football Recruiting | First Baptist Academy | Naples At every grade level, we fostera love for learningand develop leaders with astrong moral characterand a commitment to Christian values. On the outside is Olsen Patt Henry. . Volunteer Schedule Correction He returned to FBA because of the impact the teachers and coaches had on his life and hopes to have the same impact on the lives of the students at FBA. Fetchik plowed in for a short touchdown run to make it 14-6, with Evans 48-yarder making it 17-6 at the break. That's our goal. I was reading the quarterbacks eyes, Liebhardt said. High school football previews: CSN, ECS, First Baptist, St. John Neumann, SFCA, Friday Night roundup: Naples, South, Golden Gate, CSN, Bishop Verot, Ida Baker among Week 1 winners, High school football: Community School, First Baptist, MIA, Neumann get started, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. This is school; the way it should be. The Patriot League moved its season to the spring, then Briggs missed the season opener with an injury. Though we value our outstanding academic reputation, we know that parents like you choose FBA for reasons much deeper than that. We got going. We knew that theyd be prepared for Olsen, Billy Sparacio said. 0:00 0:55 Billy Sparacio has led the First Baptist Academy football program from its infancy. FBAs senior stars all had their moments on Saturday. I kept saying on the sideline, Spider pass, spider pass, spider pass. I had to make up for my earlier fumble, and we did.. First Baptist Academy runs past Munroe to reach first state finals We showed a lot of guts.. August 21 October 26 2023(No practice/play on Labor Day), 3rd to 7th Grade Mondays 6:15pm to 8:00pm, Kinder to 2nd Grade Thursdays 6:00pm to 7:30pm. It's going to be pretty special to finally meet up again. At First Baptist Academy, the legacy we're known for is providing an education that challenges each student to reach their fullest potential. He currently leads the Lions in rushing with 114 per game and has a team-best 20 total touchdowns. Naples, FL | Sync Games to Calendar Events Sports Details & Contact Live Now No live events at this time. Jason joined the FBA family in 2008 after graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Baylor University. NAPLES, FLORIDA - It didn't take long for Billy Sparacio to build a winner at First Baptist Academy in Naples. Were 3-0. Questions? "Just seeing two guys who came through FBA, I think it tells these kids that it doesn't matter what class of school you go to, if you're good enough, colleges are going to find you. But the supporting cast featuring Petit, Preston Shemansky and Sam Sparacio played a big part too. But weve got a lot of heart, and our guys certainly know how to win., PHOTOS: Chardon-First Baptist (Fla.) football, Sept. 3, 2022. The win stretches Chardons state-best winning streak to 31 games, which in its entirety doesnt impress Coach Mitch Hewitt. Unless God blesses the work that you're doing. They both play linebacker, but they also play special teams. He was sacked on back-to-back plays to end the Lions' second possession of the second half and force a punt. Follow him on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter: @NDN_Ghardwig, email him at ghardwig@naplesnews.com. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCJB) -The Trinity Catholic football team came into Saturday's Class 1A-Suburban state title game riding a seven-game winning streak and sought a third state championship in team history. High school football playoffs: First Baptist Academy vs Northside Christian "I don't know that unless you do it, you don't really realize how much, how hard of work and how much time invested goes into that, and how difficult it is," he said. They will face Jacksonville Trinity Christian, which beat Orlando Christian Prep 29-21 on Friday, in the 2A state title game in Tallahassee at 7 p.m. Thursday. Friday night, First Baptist led 8-0 and had a chance to go up two touchdowns against four-time state champion Hialeah Champagnat Catholic in the second quarter. Our students know they are valued, and they excel in the classroom, on the field, and in all aspects of their education. ", Greg Hardwig is a sports reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. On 10/14, the First Baptist Academy varsity football team lost their away non-conference game against Pahokee (FL) by a score of 21-12. The coach believes the Lions will get two big positives out of this trip. "It's a great opportunity for First Baptist Academy to be showcased," said Billy Sparacio, who played at Colgate. Then the Raiders' schedule came out. Many of his passes were bubble screens, quick outs or swing passes, but his 51-yarder to Walton was a strike, and he had an 18-yard touchdown pass to Benson Prosper to get Champagnat on the board with 3:31 left in the first half. We talked about that all week. FBA's Sam Sparacio celebrates. The only goal is a state championship and to just bring that back to Collier County and back to Southwest Florida. The sports offered include flag football, soccer, basketball, baseball, and cheerleading. . "We got to see a guy like Seth Penner go to Clemson," Briggs said. But Champagnat, also nicknamed the Lions,made the fourth-and-goal stop from its 6, and FBA didn't score again in a 27-8 loss in the Lions Den. 866-495-5172 Already a member? Learn about First Baptist Academy football recruits in Naples. Position: LS 40 Yard Dash 5.0 Bench Press 275 Squat 405 JR/SR Highlights Andover High School American Collegiate Academy Personal Statement We came back, scored before the half, make them go into halftime thinking. She has been married to her husband, Robert, for 30 years, and they have two children. Running back Jaden Booker had a 12-yard touchdown run to make it 17-12, part of an 86-yard rushing day for the senior who has offers from Michigan and Penn State. But their relationship goes back much farther. Trey who is 25 and Travis who is 22. Learn how this First Baptist Academy student is connecting with coaches in FL and nationwide. He received a Masters of Education (M.Ed) degree from Dallas Baptist University in 2010. After putting his dislocated finger back into place, Fetchik scored on a short touchdown run to give his team a touchdown advantage in overtime. As a ministry of FBCN, we are blessed to share the 94-acre campus God has provided in Naples, Florida and are also privileged to be a part of the church's mission of "making Christ known, in Southwest Florida and beyond." First Baptist Academy is a Kingdom Education school. Call. "We want rings, not streaks." Chardon looked to be in trouble when First Baptist (1-1) quarterback. They're always so resilient. Position: Ath 40 Yard Dash 4.9 5-10-5 Shuttle 4.3 Bench Press 230 Squat 390 Vertical 29 Broad Jump 9'8 Tyler Coleman Highlights #20 Rivals Camp Series Miami 2020 First Baptist Academy Football Recruiting. You know they are catching stride right now. First Baptist Academy and Trinity Catholic will clash at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Class 1S state title game at Gene Cox Stadium in Tallahassee. Mark joined the FBA family in 1976. Our goal is to provide a family-friendly atmosphere through sports for all of our surrounding communities. Julia taught in Plano ISD at Armstrong Middle School where she was named New Teacher of the Year and Teacher of the Year. He served as a church planter and Executive Pastor in Phoenix, AZ before moving back to Texas to pursue a PhD in theological studies from Dallas Seminary which he is currently working on. "To be ableto do something like this is a highlight toa kid's high school career," hesaid. He has posted back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons, earned a four-star recruitment rating and already committed to play at Clemson next season. Julia taught 2nd grade and, most recently, Kindergarten at FBA before becoming the Elementary School Principal. FBA moved the ball, especially in the first half. A number of Riverside players were in the south end zone taking in the Chardon-First Baptist game. Both boys graduated from FBA. Just very, very thankful.". Yapoor bulled in on the next play for a 14-8 lead with 26 seconds remaining. The Lions held a 6-0 lead when Alex Henry went 56 yards to the house to give his team a 7-6 lead. The overtime finish would have been difficult to predict at halftime, when Chardon took a 17-6 lead. Athletics | Firstbaptistacademy About Academics Student Life Admissions Contact More SPORTS FACILITIES LIVESTREAM ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT FBA State Championship Ring Ceremony (Recap from NBC2) STATE CHAMPIONS! Log in to get contact info. Jason played NCAA football for 3 years at Baylor University and 1 year at Howard Payne University. Weve got to get a lot better if we want to beat a Riverside team thats the best Ive seen, Hewitt said. Trinity Catholics defense is only allowing 16 points per contest. In the backfield is Jaden Booker. Naples, FL Football See Full Profile College Coach? Billy Sparacio, his coaches, and the Lions are simply looking forward to it. On top of the three-headed monster, the Lions have a stout offensive line. First Baptist Academy; Naples, FL; Football; First Baptist Academy. Home News Sports First Baptist Academy Football ready to breakthrough to state championship. And one that may propel some of the current Lions to the next level. "It's a total blessing. Briggs, who has 49 tackles in his career, considered whether he wanted to transfer to another school to use his final season of eligibility. First Baptist Academy Football ready to breakthrough to state First Baptist football is loaded with D1 players, expecting another NAPLES, FL Football See Full Profile College Coach? You put a lot of hard work in, year in and year out, its a tough profession, but when you get a group of kids like we have and a group of coaches, you just know you have something special, Sparacio said. We just used that all as motivation.. Welcome to First Baptist Academy Located in Naples, FL, First Baptist Academy combines academic excellence with an authentic Christian education for students in preschool K3 through 12th grade, with the goal of helping children grow into their full potential in Christ. But Champagnat, also nicknamed. You seen the news everyone was expecting us to lose. Next up is a trip to Riverside to play the 2-1 Beavers, who missed a last second field goal in a 7-6 loss to Mentor on Sept. 2. But FBA was called for illegal substitution on the play. Our goal is to provide a family-friendly atmosphere through sports for all of our surrounding communities. Across his high school career, Booker ranks second in Collier County history with over 5,200 rushing yards. First Baptist Academy; NAPLES, FL; Football; First Baptist Academy is a ministry of First Baptist Church Naples. FBA will get their chance to get over that hump and into the state championship with a win Friday night against Munroe. CALL. Head of School. Hewitt praised his teams defense, despite what he said as being on the field the whole game. Lineman Alex Kisley had five TFLs and gave First Baptist problems all day. 34, may or may not be on the field at the same time. Club: Golden Gate Titan Height: 5'11" Weight: 205 Age: 18 Prim. "I knew they weren't going to come out light. He's one of my best friends to this day. Last weeks win against Munroe was FBAs first victory in the state semifinals in its fourth try. The Lions made the playoffs two years later and won a regional title in 2012. But the Lions fumbled after a 21-yard pass play tothe Champagnat 25, Keller's pass to Olsen Patt Henry was knocked out of Henry's hands by a pair of Lions on fourth-and-goal from the 6, and Keller was stopped a yard short on fourth-and-2 at the Champagnat 37. With the win, First Baptist becomes the first Southwest Florida high school football team to hoist a state championship trophy since Naples in 2007 and just the fourth Colier County team to win a football crown. "This is something I'm excited about, and this is something Ihope Ican do someday.". On Saturday, the coach will get to see someone he raised and in effect someone else he did too. They just dont get the shine necessarily.. And when the Hilltoppers fumbled the ball away two plays later, the game was all but over. The running back transferred to FBA from Palmetto Ridge this past summer because he wanted to play with his close friend Olsen Patt Henry. He is as dynamic of a player as you can find. Sparacio tried freshman Ethan Crossan at quarterback as well as Mellien, who had played quarterback almost exclusively the previous two years, and, again, FBA was able to move the ball, but not get in the end zone. 3000 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples, FL 34109, U.S. In the Class 1S state championship, First Baptist shut down the top-flight Trinity Catholic offense for a resounding 21-3 victory on Saturday at Gene Cox Stadium. The contest will pit a two-time state champion in. An errant snap on the next play was recovered by Champagnat after a 21-yard loss, but FBA was called for a personal foul after the play, giving Champagnat a first down at the FBA 29. Football (2021) Schedule First Baptist Academy Football (2021) Schedule 2021-22 OVERALL 10-2 0.83 Win % DISTRICT 0-0 9th 2A Region 3 HOME8-1 AWAY2-1 NEUTRAL0-0 PF451 PA182 STREAK1L Ways you can help Make an impact on this team, and help keep MaxPreps up-to-date. On 8/26, the First Baptist Academy varsity football team won their home conference game against Neumann (Naples, FL) by a score of 43-0. Last year just showed us what we can really do if we like put everything together, FBA senior tight end and wide receiver Olsen Patt-Henry said. Rounding out the big three is Richemard Mellien. The Celtics fell, 21-3 at Gene Cox . You build more of a bond, and you love more. An FBA alumnus, Jason has a passion to help FBA students strive for excellence academically, athletically, and most importantly, spiritually. Two other games were canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. Schools | First Baptist Academy Lions Football (Naples, FL) | Florida But we didn't come here to play a good first half and lose the game. Youll have to excuse Heath Fetchik and Trey Liebhardt if they werent quite themselves in the raucous celebration following their teams 31-24 overtime victory over visiting First Baptist Academy (Fla.) on Sept. 3. I got the ball in my hands and scored some touchdowns.. Follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter: @NDN_Ghardwig, email him at ghardwig@naplesnews.com. We came here to win, and to win the state championship. FBA will have its hands full in the State Championship game, however. Use the top navigation to find past season schedules, scores, rosters and more. Julia Shoemake joined the FBA family in 2005. It was huge," Clavijo said of the late score. Sports | Firstbaptistacademy