Faith Academy football takes on Pasadena First Baptist
CAPTION: Andrew Houy cuts back to across the field as he weaves his way to the end zone for another score against Austin Valor. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro
The Faith Academy of Marble Falls football team is participating in a neutral site contest to begin the 2024 season.
The Flames, a six-man team, will face Pasadena First Baptist School at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, at Bryan Allen Academy.
Faith is entering this contest after scrimmaging Austin Valor last week in its only live performance against an opponent. Defensive coordinator Garrett Cole noted the team has been studying, analyzing and preparing for Pasadena First Baptist for quite some time.
“Valor gave us a good opportunity to get extra preparation,” he said. “The boys look good; they look sharp. We had a lot of good quality reps.”
Faith has played Pasadena First Baptist in other sports. Its athletes are strong, athletic and fast. Cole said the film study has revealed much of the same about its football team.
“They are a physical team, they are a disciplined team,” he said. “They stick to what they know. They don’t change what works for them. It’s going to be a physical game, and we’re going to have to be as disciplined and as physical as they are. We really want to make sure we are tuned in with the right plays at the right times.”
Cole noted his philosophy is very similar to head coach Jay Silvers when it comes to coordinating defenses. They are purposeful about the moments they bring a rush or drop back into coverage. They like to use speed to get to the ball carrier quickly and are committed to wrapping up when making tackles. Because one busted tackle can lead to a big play touchdown.
“He wants to make sure we get that pressure on the ball every down,” Cole said. “We’re definitely bringing pressure every down. The boys have learned to diagnose and read a play and they know who to pressure.”
Since he arrived, Cole said the Flames have made it a point to ask him questions and want to play high-level football. If a player is unhappy about his performance in a play, he asks if they can call the same play a second time, which told Cole a lot.
“Those are the boys they are,” he said. “They’ve responded well. They don’t have any problems asking me questions and want clarity.”
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