Play Hard .
Play Free .
O n November 30 , 2024 , CPA Football won the TSSAA Division II-AA State Championship game against Boyd- Buchanan to secure its sixth state championship title in program history . While their four-quarter command during this championship match-up was strong , the team ’ s continued focus on the “ unseen vs . the seen ” is what created an atmosphere ripe for leadership on the field . Spectators only experience a fraction of the whole story . The character of a state championship program is built in hundreds of small unseen acts of integrity and grit .
2 Corinthians 4:18 says , “ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen , but on what is unseen since what is seen is temporary , but what is unseen is eternal .” This verse was at the forefront of every early morning workout , shared weeknight meals , pregame rituals , and every team choice in between .
Throughout the season , coaches and players discussed the idea of true freedom . What is true freedom ?
“ As coaches , we strive to impress upon the players the freedom of being ‘ all in ’. When you understand your identity as a son of God and not in your athletic performance , you ’ re free to hope and dream without the fear of disappointment ,” says Assistant Coach Houston Nichols .
Head Coach Ingle Martin , added , “ If your identity is in your performance , there ’ s a lot of pressure . We hope they learn that this [ their identity in Christ ] frees them up to be great football players , great brothers , sons , and eventually great husbands and fathers .”
Before the season began , players and coaches visited Deer Run Camps and Retreats to unplug and enjoy fellowship together . Senior players spent time together as a class , unpacking their own interpretation of a “ shield to shield ” mentality . Instructor of US Bible Andrea Denton shared this with the group in reference to Greek battle strategy . Specifically , this strategy relies on the person to their right and to the left to hold their shield to create a strong , impenetrable front .
For this team , once they learned how to trust one another with more than just blocks , tackles , and drills , they were unstoppable . Every Monday afternoon before practice , Assistant Coach Randy Hearon conducted “ Manhood Mondays ,” providing players with dedicated time off the field to learn and grow collectively . Players practice life skills like changing a tire or how to maintain a quiet time , but more importantly , they cultivate a picture of the kind of men they want to become in their own faith . University of North Carolina commit and Mr . Football Finalist Crews Law , shared “ Those afternoons were something special . It ’ s [ Manhood Mondays ] where we learned our faith is more than just football .”
Martin shared , “ This team saw themselves as one group , both on and off the field . In fact , this team practiced harder than any group ever has , no matter what their role was .” Martin shared that the team found inspiration in the Parable of the Talents found in Matthew 25:14-30 , where Jesus encourages His followers to steward whatever they ’ re given , regardless of the role , unto him .
Senior Boone Thompson and University of Georgia commit Ondre Evans agreed , highlighting the steadfast servant leadership of the scout team . Particularly , seniors Ben Griggs and Jonah McMillen , who spotted the ball , allowing the coaching staff to concentrate solely on the starting offense .
34 PURPLE & GOLD 2023-24