Rivalry games typically bring out the best in players.
For years, the Victory Christian Academy football team’s biggest rival has been Tuscaloosa Christian. The teams have made a habit of meeting in the Christian Football Association (CFA) title game to determine bragging rights.
Lately, though, Tabernacle Christian School has emerged as another contender for the CFA crown. Tabernacle’s climb to the top of the CFA has included back-to-back victories against Victory Christian.
Garrett Anthony was determined not to let Victory Christian’s losing streak hit three.
The senior running back responded in a big way Friday night, rushing for four touchdowns and catching another scoring pass to help Victory Christian earn a 60-54 victory in Gardendale, Alabama.
For his accomplishments, Anthony is The Dispatch’s Prep Player of the Week.
Anthony had 19 carries for 180 yards. He also caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Gavin Forrester to help the Eagles improve to 2-0 and 2-0 in the CFA.
“He was very determined in his running,” Victory Christian football coach Chris Hamm said. “Not to say he hadn’t been previously, but there did seem to be more of a determination.”
Anthony had 11 carries for 160 yards and three touchdowns in a season-opening 53-12 victory against Meadowview Christian. His felt his performance against Tabernacle was even bigger because he knew the result of that game was going to impact the team’s playoff chances.
“I wanted the ball a lot Friday night because I didn’t want to lose to Tabernacle three years in a row,” Anthony said. “I was kind of nervous, but I knew we could hold them off.”
Hamm said following the victory against Tabernacle that he feels his team has been learning how to win after it has won five games in the last two seasons. The last victory against Tabernacle came in 2014, which also was the last season Victory Christian won the CFA title.
Hamm believes there is a correlation between his team’s maturation and Anthony’s growth as a leader. He said Anthony isn’t the most vocal player on the team, but he said his senior running back is someone who can be counted on to set the example others will follow.
Anthony suffered a broken collarbone as a sophomore and a knee injury in the final game of the 2016 season. He still wears a brace on his right knee to help him recover from the surgery. Hamm said Anthony experienced some pain in the leg Friday night but that he played through it and fueled an offense that capitalized on some fortuitous bounces. Preston Kinard scooped up a fumbled snap and rushed for a touchdown. On another, Forrester managed to deliver a forward pass just as he was being hit. Anthony snared the pass and scored on the 10-yard connection.
“Garrett always has been tough,” Hamm said. “Last year, he played through some injuries. I was really impressed with him Friday night. He played defense (outside linebacker/cornerback/safety) the whole night, and I have been pleased with the way he stepped up, especially with his toughness.
“I don’t mean to say he hasn’t been tough in the past, but if you have a good group of seniors you can tell when they are seniors that they know it and it is on them. I have been pleased with the way he responded.”
In addition to scoring five touchdowns, Anthony also had a key punt that he directed away from Tabernacle’s return man, which gave the Victory Christian defense a chance to come up with a stop. Dakota Bradford had an interception late in the game to help seal the deal.
“He said he didn’t want to lose to Tabernacle for a third-straight time, and that was evident by the way he play,” Hamm said.
Hamm said that mind-set is especially important because the Eagles are trying to get back to the top of the CFA. He said he hopes the seniors continue to take the responsibility of leading the team and that their attitude and expectations help the team go out every week expecting to win. Hamm also wants Anthony to play with even more confidence to know he can should the go-to role and excel in it.
Anthony credited offensive linemen Cole Bond, Ethan Howell, and Bailey Parker for their work up front to help him have a big rushing night. He said none of the four rushing touchdowns stood out, but he smiled on the improvisational nature of his touchdown catch. Even though it didn’t work out like scripted, Anthony made it work. He hopes to continue to make things happen any way he can.
“The first two wins have raised the confidence level,” Anthony said. “Everybody was thinking we were going to be the same as last year. I just want to continue to lead by example.”
Victory Christian will play host to Unity Christian at 7 p.m. Friday. Hamm said the team has added a second game against Unity Christian on Oct. 6, which was its open date.
Follow Dispatch sports editor Adam Minichino on Twitter @ctsportseditor
Adam Minichino is the former Sports Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
