Faith Academy football faces Valor North

CAPTION: Junior Wade Dillard (left) is the lead blocker for sophomore Landon Silvers as the two are looking downfield to gain as many yards as possible. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro

The Faith Academy of Marble Falls football team hosts Austin Valor North in its home opener at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at Britton Field.

Both teams enter this contest after earning week one victories. The Flames (1-0) defeated Sugar Land Logos Prep 52-41 Aug. 28 while the Lions (1-0) beat Austin San Juan Diego 39-8 Aug. 29. Valor North is in its second year as a varsity program.

Faith head coach Jay Silvers, who is entering his second season at the helm, said the Lions have a defender dedicated to covering a receiver, while four others are near the line of scrimmage.

The Flames will rely on its usual playmakers – seniors Andrew Houy and Adam Merlick, juniors Wade Dillard and Price Rosamond and sophomore Landon Silvers. Those five are the offensive foundation for which Jay Silvers, who is the offensive coordinator, wants to operate his offense.

“I just feel like we have more weapons,” he said. “I feel like our athletes will be able to exploit them.”

Valor will have a familiar figure to Faith fans. Former head coach John Hallam is the Lions’ offensive coordinator. Look for draw sweeps on running plays.

“They have a pass play mixed in,” Silvers said. “If we can counter that, we should have a good game. We have the size for that part.”

The Flames had just enough in beating Logos Prep last week.

After racing to a 24-15 lead in the first quarter thanks to Houy’s three rushing touchdowns and all three kick attempts were good by sophomore kicker Egan Barnes, Logos Prep lead 31-24 at the half by recovering a fumble and forcing Faith to go four-and-out. In the third quarter, the deficit went to 37-24.

But once the Flames committed to holding their blocks longer, the running lanes were clearer to the end zone. The Flames added two more touchdowns to take a 38-37 advantage. Logos Prep kicked a four-point field goal to regain the lead, but Faith responded with two more touchdowns to put the game out of reach.

Houy had 108 rushing yards and four touchdowns and completed 5 of 6 passes for 90 yards and two scores. Merlick had two receptions for 55 yards and two touchdowns and Landon Silvers had 113 rushing yards and a score.

While the Flames are expecting a full house, Silvers said he and defensive coordinator Garrett Cole continue to emphasize all the same qualities that have made the program a consistent powerhouse for more than two decades – running the football with authority, every Flame staying with their blocks long enough to spring the ball carrier loose, passing the ball accurately to open Flames, pursuing the ball carrier relentlessly, and forcing and recovering turnovers.

“I just want us to play Faith football,” he said. “Let’s get better and execute and make sure we’re fundamentally sound. We want to protect the football and all the fundamental parts. This string of seven games for us is to get better for district play.”

CAPTION: Head coach Jay Silvers (left) and defensive coordinator Garrett Cole are back for their second year of guiding the Flames as the staff. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro