Lake Oconee Academy football is ready to put its summer work to the test.
After months of workouts, conditioning and preparation, the Titans wrapped up their summer practice schedule. They completed the GHSA-mandated acclimation period last week as they begin turning their attention toward the start of the 2026 season.
LOA will get its first opportunity to compete under the lights when it hosts a preseason scrimmage against Bethlehem Christian and The Walker School at Titan Stadium on Friday.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
For head coach Patrick Stewart, the summer has been about building chemistry, developing younger players and watching his senior class take ownership of the program.
Four seniors – Logan Davis, Jon Harris Funderburke, Ty Hiter and Griffin Stanford – will serve as team captains this season and are expected to play significant roles on both sides of the ball.
Stewart said watching the senior class grow has been one of the highlights of the offseason.
Many of those players have been with the program since its early days, and he believes their experience will be valuable as the Titans navigate the upcoming season.
“Our whole senior class is going to make a huge impact, top to bottom,” Stewart said. “We’ve got different leadership traits from vocal to lead by example. The rest of that senior class is going to have to troop on the field, and they’ve been with us since sixth grade when this program started; it’s been good to see them grow and mold into what they are today.”
The senior leadership will be especially important as LOA continues to build on the foundation of its program. With players capable of contributing on offense, defense, and special teams, Stewart believes the group’s versatility will be a strength.
Friday’s scrimmage will give the Titans a chance to evaluate where they stand before opening the regular season.
While the result won’t count toward the record, their competition will provide valuable game-like reps and an opportunity for players to adjust to the speed and physicality of Friday nights.
LOA will continue to focus on improving execution, building depth and creating the identity it wants to carry into the season.
With the summer grind behind them, Stewart and the Titans are ready to see the progress they’ve made translate to the field.
The 2026 season officially begins Aug. 21 when LOA hosts Mount Pisgah Christian at Titan Stadium.