Lake Oconee Academy continues its best start in school history, picking up its fifth straight win this past Friday.
The Titans traveled to Augusta and brought home a 46-16 win over Glenn Hills to remain undefeated this season.
“We did a great job this week against Glenn Hills,” LOA head coach Patrick Stewart said. “We played a really complete game, offensively, defensively, and special teams-wise.”
The Titans controlled the game from kickoff to the end. LOA's offense totaled 345 yards, while its defense limited Glenn Hills to just 95 yards.
“On defense, our defensive backs did a good job in coverage, and then the defensive line did a great job of getting pressure on their quarterback to get him off his spot,” Stewart said.
This game marked the Titans’ first time playing on the road this season, and Stewart admitted there were nerves about how his players would respond.
“They responded well,” he said. “The guys really took that adversity and turned it into some good.”
It was also a homecoming for Glenn Hills, which added motivation for LOA.
“We didn’t realize it until we got there, but they scheduled us for their homecoming game, so that definitely motivated the kids,” Stewart said.
On offense, Lake Oconee Academy typically uses its rushing attack to impose its will, but the Titans used a more balanced offense against the Spartans.
Quarterback Ike O’Neal finished with 125 yards passing and one touchdown on 12 completions. The touchdown came on a 43-yard strike to CJ Stembridge in the second quarter.
“We went into it with the mindset that we were going to let Ike try and sling it, and he did well,” Stewart said.
Walker Poyner continued his excellence on the ground, too, carrying the ball 15 times for 95 yards and two touchdowns.
“It was a good game to be able to play everybody and get the JV guys in for the fourth quarter,” Stewart said.
Sophomore kicker Leo Inostrosa was another bright spot for the Titans, accounting for eight points, including a 53-yard field goal.
“The guys went out and executed well,” Stewart said. “We had a good plan going into it, and they executed it.”
The Titans are on the road again this week. On Friday, they will travel to Fairburn to take on Landmark Christian (3-1).