Kings Beat #3 NAIA Indiana Wesleyan JV in Marion

Garrett Pog

It was a good afternoon for the Kings on Monday, who won their 3rd game of the season over #3 NAIA Indiana Wesleyan’s JV program in a 19-13 final score.

LEAD Prep Academy started off hot, scoring on the first drive of the game when Birmingham Groves QB Le’Velle Shannon took an option play for himself. He scampered left from 12 yards out of the endzone, then cut back right and dove in for a touchdown. The opening drive featured 4 Quarterbacks and multiple different skill position players, proving the depth that was game-ready on a road trip. A missed PAT kept the game at 6-0 through the end of the first.

“[Our QBs] are playing well in practice, and they’ve shown improvement,” Head Coach Alex Grignon said after the game. Shannon, as well as Freshman QB AJ Dixon didn’t see much playing time after the first half, despite their solid performances. “[Benching them] wasn’t intentional, but I’m glad they did get those reps, now let’s build on that.”

In the 2nd Quarter, Warren Cousino QB Brick Sandridge saw WR Emere Atkins on single-man coverage outside and decided to give him a shot to snatch a jump-ball touchdown from 16 yards out. Atkins displayed complete control and awareness, as he wrestled the ball in his arms and toe-tapped the endzone to give LEAD Prep Academy their second touchdown of the day. That makes 5 touchdowns for Atkins on the season.

Before halftime, the Kings would display some miscommunication on a pass, which led to a pick six for the home team. LEAD Prep Academy led 12-6 going into the 2nd half.

LEAD Prep Academy’s defense was great for another game, as the only offensive touchdown for Indiana Wesleyan came off a broken coverage play where the Wildcats scored on a 72-yard catch and run from their Tight End, followed by a successful PAT. The Kings’ defense was visibly upset after giving up the lead, but that wouldn’t stop them from making plays down the stretch.

Towards the end of the 3rd Quarter, Indiana Wesleyan’s QB tried to test Sophomore DB Kamron Payne deep down the field, before Payne reached up for his 3rd interception of the season. The undisputed leader in PBUs and turnovers created through 4 games spoke to why QBs keep targeting him.

“Maybe my size,” Payne said. “When I’m pressed up on a receiver, I might look a little small [to QBs].” Payne was humble when asked about the growth he’s experienced at LEAD Prep

Academy, and pointed to Defensive Coordinator Peter Tuccini as a reason. “He makes us better every day, every time he sees us slacking, he picks us up and makes sure we’re on it…he’s been a great factor to our success.”

On the heels of that turnover, the Kings’ offense would run the ball down the field, including Sterling Heights Stevenson QB Davion Reese creating with his legs on multiple 3rd-and-long situations. The 6-foot, 230 pound, Florida RB Jeremiah Davison would run as the featured back as well, pushing the pile forward on multiple touches.

On 4th & 1, with about 12 minutes left in the game, Davison showed off his speed as he would get the handoff, bounce off his own lineman, and run untouched by a defender into the endzone for a 20-yard score. The score would propel them in front, and his teammate and frequent rusher Mason Mansfield couldn’t be more pleased.

“That’s my brother,” Mansfield said when asked about his relationship with Davison. “We work hard, challenge each other every day. We’re just looking to make each other better.”

A final drive by Indiana Wesleyan would see them try several deep shots to no avail. They would turn it over on downs with a second left for LEAD Prep Academy to secure the road win against one of the top NAIA programs in the country.

“That was a little harder for us than it should’ve been,” Coach Grignon said immediately following the win. “We want to get to the point where [wins] are a little smoother sailing…It’s about finding that consistency in every rep, then we’ll take off.”

At 3-1, the Kings have a shortened week ahead of them. They take on Division II Wheeling University JV in West Virginia, on Sunday at 7pm. This is the first of three Sunday matchups in a row, which allows the players at LPA to attend college visits for their own recruitment - a nice perk of the program. Wheeling is currently 2-2 and will be coming off a conference road matchup the day before. That game will be streamed here.