Lake Oconee Academy’s long-awaited season opener is this Friday at home against Mount Paran Christian.
Third-year head coach Patrick Stewart anticipates his team is ready for the challenge.
In 2024, LOA is playing for a chance to make the playoffs for the first time. Reaching the postseason during the first year they’re eligible would be nice, but Stewart and the Titans are not looking past Mount Paran.
“[Making the playoffs] would mean everything to us. I think we’re going to prove a lot of people wrong,” Stewart said. “If we stay healthy throughout the year, we can compete, but we’re more worried about week one.”
Mount Paran struggled last season under coach Matt Ely. The Eagles didn’t make the playoffs, going 2-8 overall.
However, with a few returning starters entering Ely’s third season, the team hopes for a better result this year.
Stewart said he expects Mount Paran to bring its A-game. He said the Eagles have improved, especially on offense.
“They run the triple-option, which is hard to prepare for,” Stewart said. “They’re tough and physical up front.”
Senior quarterback Andrew Overton and sophomore running back Gavin Steele are two of Mount Paran’s top returning offensive players. They’ll hope to improve an offense that averaged 13.4 points per game last year.
However, LOA should have the upper hand because defense was its specialty last year.
With several starters, such as Reid Davis and Kam Geter, returning, the Titans are primed to have a stout defensive presence again this year.
“Defensively, we pride ourselves on being the toughest, the most physical,” Stewart said. “Last year, we held a lot of teams below their average of scoring each game. We try to limit explosive plays. Our goal is to keep the fundamentals the main thing. It’s tackling and being the most physical. Our saying for [defense] is grit.”
LOA’s defense gave up just 13.7 points per contest on average in 2024. Offensively, the Titans averaged 28.2 points per game and will face a Mount Paran defense this Friday, which has some questions surrounding it.
Led by quarterback Ike O’Neal, the Titans hope to keep their momentum going on offense after two scrimmages.
O’Neal will look to get the ball to playmakers like running backs Cam Kelley and Walker Poyner and wide receiver Hayes Fleming. Davis, Geter, and Keenan Parham will also play key roles within the offense.
“We’re going to try and spread it around to as many guys as possible,” Stewart said. “That’s what we like to do.”
Lake Oconee Academy and Mount Paran Christian will kick off at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Tucker Field.