Life Christian Academy in Chester

[EBLR]

What’s the deal there?

There was a lot of hype about the talent and transfers they had. Currently 1-5 with their only win over the Hampton Roads Generals (not sure who that even is). Are things tougher than they expected?

 

[springer76]

I've asked the same type question about them on this board ... didn't get much of an answer on it.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

I'll stand firm on my expectations and opinions from earlier in the year. They tried to build a team on unforfillable promises to parents and kids. All on the guise of Christianity. They should be ashamed.

 

[mbonape1]

They are a brand new program... everything is brand new. Most of their athlete are freshman or sophomores. Coach is new to HS football Inthink too. Doesn’t help that they play some real deal nationally ranked opponents. They may improve over time.

Wether we like it or not HSFB as we know it is dying. Association football in the Richmond area is on the decline and has given way to AAU football. I recently attended a game in NJ on a Saturday of 2 nationally ranked high schools. In NJ, the best players play on the Prep circuit and the high schools have what’s left. This will happen in VA bc their is too much money to be made in HSFB at the highest competition level. Games are broadcasts, teams are sponsored by under Armour and Nike etc, These schools have exaggerated year round programs and training facilities, plus they have much better facilities and fan fare. I would estimate that there was over 10,000 people or more at the game for a regular season game. Also, the education is way better and these schools have one on one relationships with all of the major recruiters in their region or even nationally.

We aren’t going back to small town America, AI and tech companies will continue to become more entrenched in our lives, and Friday nights won’t look the same... It is what it is!

I don’t agree with it either but be prepared to tell a lot of kids to “get off your lawn” bc it’s coming and it ain’t going back.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

I grant you, changes are coming. But I don't think it will be a rapid change. And I think the geography of our state will mitigate some of the transition.

The demographics in states like NJ make it a lot easier for club/private teams to form and prosper. I think we will see a duality in Virginia for a significantly long period. A few elite players from the rural portions of our state may be "harvested". But, I just don't see it ever making VHSL football irrelevant.

Maybe it's just me not wanting to believe it could change as drastically as you insinuate.

I'll still stay on record that I believe the experiment at Life Christian ultimately turns out to be just that. An experiment, that just didn't work out.

 

[mbonape1]

You made a few good points there! Time will tell. If LCA works it will accelerate this process... if not, it may buy us all more time

 

[DRWildcatDad2018]

I grant you, changes are coming. But I don't think it will be a rapid change. And I think the geography of our state will mitigate some of the transition.

The demographics in states like NJ make it a lot easier for club/private teams to form and prosper. I think we will see a duality in Virginia for a significantly long period. A few elite players from the rural portions of our state may be "harvested". But, I just don't see it ever making VHSL football irrelevant.

Maybe it's just me not wanting to believe it could change as drastically as you insinuate.

I'll still stay on record that I believe the experiment at Life Christian ultimately turns out to be just that. An experiment, that just didn't work out.

I agree DP. The private schools in NY/NJ and CA have been the go to schools for decades now. For them to become de facto sports academies wasn't a stretch because as educational institutions they were already getting talented students and athletes. We have seen a number of sports academies crash and burn in multiple states either due to logistical problems or trouble with educational certification. Localities with strong public school systems, great local rivalries, and Friday night traditions can withstand or be mostly immune to the private school/sports academy effect. Benedictine, Collegiate, and Trinity have recruited central VA for years and have gotten some elite players over that time, but I wouldn't say it has hurt public high school football. If those schools' coaches didn't assist with Super Seniors in CQL and recruit players, private school football might not be much to talk about. Bishop Sullivan has made that attempt in VA Beach by hiring Chris Scott and recruiting hard, but it hasn't paid big dividends so we will see how long it continues.

I think the participation numbers we are seeing at the high school level reflects the immediate drop off from the concern that grew out the NFL concussion issue. While participation numbers may not completely rebound to what they were prior to public awareness of CTE and other concussion issues, I feel like we are seeing some rebound. I found statistics not reported by a group with an agenda that show participation altogether and in most sports specifically has declined.

And now that colleges are offering Esports scholarships, parents and kids have more reasons to stay inside and play video games.

Football gets a bad rap, but as we know there are few things that bind people together over shared experiences as much the blood, sweat, and tears of youth/prep football. And I tell people that if you are truly worried about your kids getting hurt and keeping them safe, then do not ever let them get in an automobile as it is the most dangerous place they can be.

 

[bulldog1150]

And I tell people that if you are truly worried about your kids getting hurt and keeping them safe, then do not ever let them get in an automobile as it is the most dangerous place they can be.

Absolute truth. There are parents who say they won't let their kids play football because of the inherent risks, but they will give a 16 year old kid, with hardly any time behind the wheel, a 4000 lb SUV that will go 90 mph and send them out on I64 or I95.

If my son wants to play football when he reaches the appropriate age, I will let him with little hesitation. But I will be a basket case when he pulls of of that driveway the first time without me in the car with him.

 

[DRWildcatDad2018]

Absolute truth. There are parents who say they won't let their kids play football because of the inherent risks, but they will give a 16 year old kid, with hardly any time behind the wheel, a 4000 lb SUV that will go 90 mph and send them out on I64 or I95.

If my son wants to play football when he reaches the appropriate age, I will let him with little hesitation. But I will be a basket case when he pulls of of that driveway the first time without me in the car with him.

I have been in auto accidents, had a knife pulled on me, confronted a prowler outside my house at 2am and the most scared I have ever been is the first dozen times my younger son rode in the car with my oldest son. Scary stuff.

 

[mbonape1]

I agree DP. The private schools in NY/NJ and CA have been the go to schools for decades now. For them to become de facto sports academies wasn't a stretch because as educational institutions they were already getting talented students and athletes. We have seen a number of sports academies crash and burn in multiple states either due to logistical problems or trouble with educational certification. Localities with strong public school systems, great local rivalries, and Friday night traditions can withstand or be mostly immune to the private school/sports academy effect. Benedictine, Collegiate, and Trinity have recruited central VA for years and have gotten some elite players over that time, but I wouldn't say it has hurt public high school football. If those schools' coaches didn't assist with Super Seniors in CQL and recruit players, private school football might not be much to talk about. Bishop Sullivan has made that attempt in VA Beach by hiring Chris Scott and recruiting hard, but it hasn't paid big dividends so we will see how long it continues.

I think the participation numbers we are seeing at the high school level reflects the immediate drop off from the concern that grew out the NFL concussion issue. While participation numbers may not completely rebound to what they were prior to public awareness of CTE and other concussion issues, I feel like we are seeing some rebound. I found statistics not reported by a group with an agenda that show participation altogether and in most sports specifically has declined.

And now that colleges are offering Esports scholarships, parents and kids have more reasons to stay inside and play video games.

Football gets a bad rap, but as we know there are few things that bind people together over shared experiences as much the blood, sweat, and tears of youth/prep football. And I tell people that if you are truly worried about your kids getting hurt and keeping them safe, then do not ever let them get in an automobile as it is the most dangerous place they can be.

Good points but why did it happen in Bansketball then? You would certainly admit our best basketball players in the area are leaving our high schools.

With participation being down at the youth level you will see the talent start to pool together even more than it already is. It will leave us a select group of teams just anailating others. Which in some respects is what we have but I think it may get worse.

I just wish participation wasn’t down at the youth level. Speaking from my view. Gordon, Reams, and AM Davis no longer have football programs. Those were the programs feeding Monacan. Our kids have no where to play now.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

To emphasize the scary point you guys are making, here is what happened today. My shop is a few 100 yards from 460. I was standing outside my shop around 9:00 this morning and heard what I thought was a vehicle wreck, or either a building collapse. I listened a minute and thought I heard a scream or a dog howling. I jumped in my truck and drove down a neighbor's driveway that ran along beside 460. I couldn't get very far, but far enough to see and hear cars braking. I called 911 and they already had several calls on the wreck.

Later, I found out it was a 17 year old girl that ran off the right shoulder, over corrected, ran into the left guard rail and flipped twice. Thank God for airbags, because she had not put on her seatbelt. The side airbag helped keep her in the vehicle. Why oh why will people not wear a seat belt? Incidently, she will be ok, no serious injuries.

Yes, give me football any day over kids in a vehicle.

 

[bulldog1150]

Good points but why did it happen in Basketball then? You would certainly admit our best basketball players in the area are leaving our high schools.

Just my opinion, but you can get 3-4 guys together and have a really good basketball team. It just isn't as easy in a sport like football where it takes more "players". Millwood and Trinity have shown that over the past few years in the Richmond area. I think from a National perspective you will see a few powerhouses. But I think that there will always be local, hometown football that plays at a high level in respect to their enrollment.

I agree that the lower numbers in youth leagues is a great concern. I wouldn't be surprised to see 8 man football make big in roads in every state, especially at smaller schools. I know that the VHSL is already exploring the feasibility and I'm sure the folding of several programs in VA will only expedite that process.

 

[DRWildcatDad2018]

Good points but why did it happen in Bansketball then? You would certainly admit our best basketball players in the area are leaving our high schools.

With participation being down at the youth level you will see the talent start to pool together even more than it already is. It will leave us a select group of teams just anailating others. Which in some respects is what we have but I think it may get worse.

I just wish participation wasn’t down at the youth level. Speaking from my view. Gordon, Reams, and AM Davis no longer have football programs. Those were the programs feeding Monacan. Our kids have no where to play now.

You are right; that is what has happened in basketball. And Bulldog is right that basketball is a different situation because of the fewer number of players and also the equipment and facilities required. You can almost always find a pickup basketball game going on somewhere 24/7, but you rarely even see a neighborhood football game these days. I think the time requirement is also having an effect on youth football. I hear parents moaning and groaning over how many hours and days they spend at the football fields and most of them are just dropping off and picking up. " Travel ball" in all sports has too many kids "specializing" in only one sport.

Wow, I didn't realize Gordon didn't have football now. That was such a successful competitive program and nemesis to me at Midlothian. I'm not as surprised about Reams and Davis as I know that years ago there was a fallout within the board at Reams and they lost some board members and coaches. And since most volunteer organizations rely on 2% of the people to do 80-90% of the work, losing a couple of key people can bring on drastic change. Changing demographics can make a difference too. Asian and Indian populations have not historically participated in football so a shift there could reduce participant numbers. The multiple leagues in central VA with differing participation rules probably doesn't help associations restricted to elementary school boundaries. Which I guess goes to your point of the "super" teams like the Chesterfield Falcons and Giants. Every time I turn around there seems to be a new league.

It may be that the good old days of having associations for almost every elementary school district in Chesterfield fielding football teams is long gone. If that is the case, I am glad that my son got to participate during its golden age.

 

[mbonape1]

You are right; that is what has happened in basketball. And Bulldog is right that basketball is a different situation because of the fewer number of players and also the equipment and facilities required. You can almost always find a pickup basketball game going on somewhere 24/7, but you rarely even see a neighborhood football game these days. I think the time requirement is also having an effect on youth football. I hear parents moaning and groaning over how many hours and days they spend at the football fields and most of them are just dropping off and picking up. " Travel ball" in all sports has too many kids "specializing" in only one sport.

Wow, I didn't realize Gordon didn't have football now. That was such a successful competitive program and nemesis to me at Midlothian. I'm not as surprised about Reams and Davis as I know that years ago there was a fallout within the board at Reams and they lost some board members and coaches. And since most volunteer organizations rely on 2% of the people to do 80-90% of the work, losing a couple of key people can bring on drastic change. Changing demographics can make a difference too. Asian and Indian populations have not historically participated in football so a shift there could reduce participant numbers. The multiple leagues in central VA with differing participation rules probably doesn't help associations restricted to elementary school boundaries. Which I guess goes to your point of the "super" teams like the Chesterfield Falcons and Giants. Every time I turn around there seems to be a new league.

It may be that the good old days of having associations for almost every elementary school district in Chesterfield fielding football teams is long gone. If that is the case, I am glad that my son got to participate during its golden age.

Well said!

 

[DRWildcatDad2018]

Well said!

Speaking of Reams; you saw that spectacular catch for Manchester a few weeks ago by former Reams Ram KJ Henderson right?

 

[mbonape1]

Speaking of Reams; you saw that spectacular catch for Manchester a few weeks ago by former Reams Ram KJ Henderson right?

Yes he was a Monacan transfer ironically. He played his first 2 seasons at Monacan and grew up in our feeder program.

 

[1CowBoyFan1]

Life Christian Academy has won a total of 3 games so far.

60-0 vs Hampton Roads Generals (Home school team)

33-18 vs National Christian Academy (#28 team in the state of Maryland)

And gained a forfeit win over St. Michaels.

Lost to Freedom (powerhouse 6a program)
Lost to Cornerstone christian 23-14 (very good Texas team)
Lost to St. Thomas More which is post grad school in Connecticut
Lost to the #2 team in the country, St. Frances. 55-6
And lost to the #18 team in Maryland, Avalon. 21-20

Life Christian consist of about 36 players with only about 4 being seniors.

This team is young and will be very good. the strength of schedule is 27.2 which is the highest in the state by a wide number. The "experiment" will only look to be such from the eyes of someone that does not wish to learn more or truly follow the program. Kids have already received scholarships from playing in these big games, playing against competition that no other school is facing or is too scared to face, and getting a quality education all throughout the process. How many kids can say that at the age of 14-17 their high school football team has allowed them to travel to Texas? all expense paid. or Connecticut? all to do the thing that they love. God is working wonders for that entire situation and It will only be a matter of time before everyone else sees it.

 

[WP02alum]

God must not be working too many wonders on your ego. “Programs everyone is too scared to face”...get real.

Must be nice up there on your tower looking down your nose on everyone else. When is Life Christian going to schedule HSHS since they’re on such a higher level? Is that too cheap of an away game? You can probably hire limos to take the team there to up the cost.

 

[1CowBoyFan1]

God must not be working too many wonders on your ego. “Programs everyone is too scared to face”...get real.

Must be nice up there on your tower looking down your nose on everyone else. When is Life Christian going to schedule HSHS since they’re on such a higher level? Is that too cheap of an away game? You can probably hire limos to take the team there to up the cost.

Well. Ask any local school why life christian isnt on there schedule and get back to me. Every private school in the city/state was asked to play, as well as public schools such as HSHS, bird, etc. Love everything that is going on in the state. HSHS is on a different level than everyone and representing VA very well! Would be an amazing opportunity to see that game happen.

 

[WP02alum]

So HS is willing to try to schedule Westfield, but they’re scared of a 2-win Life Christian? Interesting story you’re selling there...

 

[cutnjump]

So HS is willing to try to schedule Westfield, but they’re scared of a 2-win Life Christian? Interesting story you’re selling there...

You know he's reaching when he tries to sell Freedom as a 6A powerhouse, unless there is a new definition of powerhouse these days.

 

[springer76]

You know he's reaching when he tries to sell Freedom as a 6A powerhouse, unless there is a new definition of powerhouse these days.

....and beat the #28 team in Maryland? #28? Is that supposed to be impressive? Top 10 maybe, Top 5 probably, but #28...NOT! .. . and won 3 games? No, you won 2 games! One was a forfeit, which means you didn't play that one. Get real! Typical Cowboy Fan!

 

[Hldaniel]

Life Christian is going to continue to grow and be successful, Wish Coach Scott all the best, He's doing something different and unique in this area with the LCA program. As far as HSHS playing LCA, it's just a VHSL thing. You don't get points for playing private schools, so it's almost like the game doesn't count. That's one of the reasons why a game against any VA Private school is tough, especially with it being 6 divisions and the points system being so important.

 

[D4ball]

Life Christian is going to continue to grow and be successful, Wish Coach Scott all the best, He's doing something different and unique in this area with the LCA program. As far as HSHS playing LCA, it's just a VHSL thing. You don't get points for playing private schools, so it's almost like the game doesn't count. That's one of the reasons why a game against any VA Private school is tough, especially with it being 6 divisions and the points system being so important.

This is not accurate at all. The VHSL awards the same points to public school teams for beating private schools - just like the VISAA awards private school teams points for beating public schools.

As for LCA - I don't wish them any ill will. But, I will say that nearly all VA schools, public and private, will stay away from scheduling them because they are simply creating an AAU team at the high school level (a la Bishop Sullivan a few years ago). I mean, they brought in a slew of kids that had ALREADY earned D1 scholarships BEFORE LCA had ever played their first official game. No wonder teams in VA are staying away. They aren't growing a program from the ground up and building it. Just bringing in talent and kids that have already signed football scholarships. Their coach also stated recently in an article that they reclass 90% of their football team, which means nearly every player you face on their team is going to be a 19 year old 5th year senior who is an extra year bigger, faster, and stronger than all their public school counterparts who can't do that since it's against the rules. ...