Patriots Ranked Second Nationally

The Christ Prep Patriots were ranked second nationally among all homeschool teams in a final poll released by The Freeman Scoring, a service utilized by CBS Sportsline's MaxPreps.com.  First place honors were secured by the NOAH Jaguars, the homeschool team in the Tulsa area and one of CPA's 2009 opponents (a 39-22 loss on October 23).  Other CPA opponents in the top ten were the Lighthouse Christian Academy (Springfield Chargers) who were ranked 8th. CPA defeated the Chargers 24-21 in OT on October 31.

Follow this link to read an article in today's Tulsa World http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/article.aspx?subjectid=236&articleid=20091126_253_B10_Jenksd150296 which mentions the Max Prep rankings. Special thanks to David Van Risseghem of the NOAH Jaguars for brining this article to our attention.

Patriots Fall in Hard Fought Championship Game

The Christ Prep Patriots fell to undefeated Bradenton Prep 26-8 Thursday night at Fort Bluff camp in Dayton, Tennessee. The game decided the NACA Division I tournament championship.

The Patriots put forth a valiant effort against a supremely talented Bradenton Prep team. Bradenton (12-0) indicated CPA was by far the best team they had played all year. The Patriots continued to fight back after several big Bradenton plays. The Patriots trailed 6-0 at the end of the first quarter and were down only 14-0 at the end of the first half only after a Bradenton TD as the half expired.

The Patriots fought back hard in the second half.  Despite an injury to QB Darren Wallace after a long run, the Patriots sustained momentum as sophmore backup QB Jack Layman came in to finish off the drive that Wallace started.  Lenard Manuel scored a rushing TD and Layman completed the 2-point conversion to Cameron Wainscott.

Despite several other good offensive drives in the second half and some incredible defensive plays, the Patriots fell short.

Stay tuned as we attempt to post some photos and other information from Fort Bluff Camp.

Patriots Visit the Bluff, Remember Fury Company

In preparation for their 8:00 p.m. (Eastern) game tonight against Bradenton Prep, the Christ Prep Patriots spent some time today on "The Bluff" at the top of Mt. Dayton on the grounds of Fort Bluff Camp.  The Bluff is a well known spot to all current and former Patriot players, and the team's annual visit there is the spiritual and overall highlight of this annual trek to Tennessee.  The view from the Bluff is breathtaking, as it overlooks the Tennessee River Valley some 1,100 feet below.

The team spent over an hour today at this scenic overlook.  A special message was delivered by the Rev. Jim McNally, a close friend of Coach Dick Burton. Rev. McNally challenged the young men spiritually then challenged them to perform their best tonight on the field. One significant quote was "When you think the opponent might be too big to hit, consider them too big to miss!"  This devotional time included a discussion of the body and blood of Jesus Christ and culminated in the partaking of communion.

A significant part of the afternoon was devoted to the men of Fury Company. The Patriots will be playing tonight for Fury Company, part of the US Army's 4th Infantry Division currently serving our country in Afghanistan.  Coach Burton read a letter sent by his son, Lt. Tim Burton, who sent one of Fury Company's flag which accompanied Lt. Burton during many of his missions against the Taliban in dangerous Afghan territory.

Coach Burton also read the following excerpt from a book called The Furious Longing of God by Brennan Manning:

The noun fury is commonly associated with extreme anger. However, when the Oxford Dictionary of Current English discusses "the fury of a gathering storm," the meaning morphs into intense energy.

When one of England's finest writers, G. K. Chesterton, spoke of "the furious love of God," he was referencing the enormous vitality and strength of the God of Jesus seeking union with us.

Another ragamuffin, Rich Mullins, sought to describe the same longing of God: "In the reckless raging fury that they call the love of God."

Please view some of the photos of today's moving pre-game ceremony.

And remember, you can follow tonight's game, set to start at approximately 8:00 p.m. Eastern, by following this link: http://www.livestream.com/nacasportstv

Please remember to pray for the safety of the Christ Prep Patriots and the soldiers protecting your freedoms with Fury Company.

Patriots to Play Thursday Night

Greetings From Tennessee! In case you haven't heard, the Christ Prep Patriots will only be playing one game this year in Tennessee. That game will be tomorrow (Thursday) night at 8:00 p.m. against Bradenton (Fla.) Prep. This game will determine the NACA Division I Champion.

After a good practice in Tennessee this morning, the Patriots spent the afternoon on a field trip enjoying some local scenery. After Chapel this evening the team enjoyed watching one of the 8-Man games.

A new feature this year will be an opportunity to watch the Championship games via live stream TV through the NACA website.  Click here to watch the Patriots in action: http://nacasports.com/naca-sports-tv-2-20/

Also, we'll try to make a post right after the game with the results.

Patriots Battle For Fury

The Christ Prep Patriots have a "12th Man" rooting them on this week at the NACA tournament in Dayton, Tennessee. The Patriots, in turn, are rooting for this 12th Man as it fights a far more perilous battle day-in and day-out on the other side of the world.

The Patriots' 12th Man is Fury Company of the 4th Infantry Division of the United States Army. The soldiers of Fury Company are currently serving in Afghanistan. Their unit and the Patriots have developed a unique relationship this season as each has carried the other's flag into their respective battles.

The relationship between Fury and the Patriots began last summer when coach Dick Burton attended the funeral of one of Fury's fallen soldiers. Coach Burton's son Tim is a Lieutenant with Fury and Coach traveled to Indiana to represent Tim at the funeral. It was at that time Coach Burton conceived of the idea of the Patriots playing for Fury during the 2009 season. He subsequently presented the idea to the team which embraced in heartily. Since that time the communication and momentum have been building as each "unit" has developed a mutual respect, admiration, and following of the other.

In the photo above, senior running back Lenard Manuel models the Fury Company logo which has been affixed to the front of each of the Patriots' helmets. Pictured below is the decal which has been placed on the backs of all of the Patriots' helmets. It is a decal which honors the fallen soldier mentioned above.

During halftime of this year's homecoming game against East High School, Coach Burton discussed the relationship between Fury and the Patriots. He unveiled the logos and decals at that time. A link to this video can be followed here: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.youtube.com%252Fwatch%253Fv%253D3ZegHubtwfQ&h=c6c51397ee5e6f7f165dd0f7f560daba&ref=mf.

Coach Burton also has provided some photos from a photographer who has followed Fury Company. Follow this link to see these photos: http://www.photoshelter.com/c/lucianread/gallery/Afghanistan-Kunar-Summer-2009/G0000n1o6XlEriNA/.

Following is Coach Burton's commentary on these photos. These comments were excerpted from an email to the Patriot families.

Patriot Football Families,

Sorry I didn’t add some explanation to the link to the pictures of the 4th ID in Kunar Province in Afghanistan. Here are some details –


The photographer is Lucian Read, and he is a correspondent for Dan Rather. He has been riding in my son Tim’s MRAP for transportation to the FOBs (forward operating bases) and COPs (combat outposts) over the last few months.

The pictures give an idea of the kind of terrain Fury Co. and the rest of 4th ID have to deal with on a daily basis.

The men of Fury Co. are very encouraged by the support you are showing, and they have sent us a gift… it’s
a surprise, and it is supposed to arrive before we leave for TN.


Coach Burton

Please check back as we provide more details this week about the Patriots' play in Tennessee. We also hope to provide additional information about Fury Company and the special bond it has developed with the Patriots. Please pray for the young men of CPA's football team as they prepare to compete in Tennessee. Please also pray for the soldiers of Fury Company as they protect our freedoms on the rugged soil of Afghanistan.

Patriots Make Final Preparations for Tennessee

With the game cancelled this weekend with the Oklahoma City Patriots, the Christ Prep football team is making final preparations for the National Association of Christian Athletics tournament next week in Dayton, Tennessee. The Patriots practiced Friday night at Red Bridge and will practice tomorrow (Saturday) in shells after taking team and individual pictures.  The team leaves Monday night for the trip to Tennessee, with games scheduled for Wednesday (Nov. 11) and Friday (Nov. 13). Stay tuned for reports from the action in Dayton.

Coach Profile: Darrell Wallace

There's a familiar face in a new role on the Patriots' sideline this fall. Former CPA standout Darrell Wallace has traded in his helmet and shoulder pads for a clipboard and headset as he settles into his new role as Assistant Coach for Christ Preparatory Academy.

Only last season Darrell was leading the Patriots in his role as tight end, linebacker and quarterback. The 2008 season, Darrell's senior campaign, capped off a five year career for him as a Patriot.

This year Darrell coaches the Patriot wide receivers. This facet of the Patriot offense has improved steadily this year, with the receivers tallying more than 100 yards and seven receptions this past Saturday in their victory over the Lighthouse Christian Chargers of Springfield, Missouri.

Darrell was born in Kansas City and currently resides in Lee's Summit. He is currently attending college locally with plans to eventually transfer to Missouri S and T in Rolla so that he may study engineering.

Darrell overcame significant adversity during his senior season. He suffered a concussion while playing quarterback in the Northeast game. He had to be taken to the emergency room from the game and was sidelined for several weeks. At one time it appeared his career was over prematurely.  God healed him more quickly than expected, however, and he was back on the field for the season's final games.

Darrell is one of three Wallaces on the sidelines. Darrell's younger brother Darren is the current Patriot QB and their father David is Christ Prep's defensive coordinator.

When Darrell isn't coaching the Patriots he enjoys following the Chiefs and Texas Longhorns. He also enjoys playing golf, and was a standout golfer for four years on the Christ Prep golf team. He won several tournaments as a Patriot golfer and just last season finished 4th in the Kansas Christian Athletic Association state championships, helping the Patriots win that event by 50 strokes over their nearest competitor.

Darrell has been a leader for CPA both on and off the field.  His favorite Scripture passage is Psalm 86:11-12 which says "Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify Your name forever." Darrell likes this verse because it calls Christians to fear God and glorify His name forever. It is Darrell's life verse and his prayer for every Christian is to strive for God. His goal for this year's team  is to bond as a unit and to bring back a NACA Championship in Tennessee.

Darrell desires the prayers of other believers as he continues on with college and seeks and engineering degree. Please remember this godly young man in your prayers as he helps coach the Patriots and as he follows after his career aspirations.

Coach Darrell Wallace.

Winning FG Video

Check out this video of Darren Wallace's game-winning FG Saturday against the Lighthouse Christian Academy Chargers: http://sharing.theflip.com/session/082120beeabf2fe2af16c4ad49abd60c/video/7076368

Field Goal Lifts Christ Prep in OT

The Christ Prep Patriots narrowly edged the Lighthouse Christian Academy Chargers today in an overtime game at Shawnee Mission North field. Darren Wallace kicked a 21 yard field goal in CPA's first OT possession. Two plays later the Chargers fumbled on a sweep around right end and the win was secured.

It was a tale of two halves as the first half was all offense for both teams while the second half was a defensive showcase. Lighthouse Christian Academy (LCA) struck first early in the game when Tyler Crain caught a 77 yard touchdown pass from Ethan Purvis. LCA converted on its two-point conversion.

The Patriots came roaring back shortly thereafter. After a recovered fumble, QB Darren Wallace connected on a 15 yard TD strike to Demonta Bailey. Timothy Finley caught a Wallace pass for the 2 point conversion and the game was tied 8-8.

The Chargers added another first quarter score when Jackson Pollock caught another Purvis pass for a 73 yard touchdown. The PAT kick attempt failed.

The Patriots added two scores in the second quarter while LCA added one. Wallace found Bailey again early in the frame, this time for a 60 yard touchdown pass. The Patriots also failed in their ensuing PAT kick attempt.  Shortly thereafter, LCA scored on a 15 yard TD pass from Purvis to Swadley. CPA added a score of its own when Darren Wallace scampered for a 68 yard TD run. Both teams converted on their PAT kicks, and the first half ended tied 21-21.

The second half saw both defenses step up. The Patriots nearly won the game in regulation but a penalty nullified another Wallace TD run and a late period fumble stalled the Patriots drive on about the Charger 10 yard line.

The overtime got underway with the Patriots getting the first crack at scoring from the Charger 10. Given four plays, CPA only managed to get to about the Charger 5 after three plays. Coach Burton trotted in the field goal team, however, and junior Darren Wallace drilled the 21 yard attempt from the right hash, giving the Patriots a 24-21 lead.

It was the Chargers turn next, as they were given four plays to score from the Patriot 10. After gaining about three yards on their first rushing attempt, the Chargers fumbled on their second running attempt, sealing the Patriot win.

The Patriots had many defensive highlights with the win. An Isaiah Huges interception was critical late in the 4th quarter as it stalled a late Charger drive.  Lenard Manuel, in addition to having a solid offensive performance, totalled 9 tackles. Michael Force and Cameron Wainscott added 7 and 5 tackles, respectively.

Offensively, Wallace was 7-10 passing for 114 yards and two touchdowns and one interception. Demonta Bailey had 5 of those catches for 99 yards, while Timothy Finley had the other two for 18 yards.  Wallace added 126 yards rushing on 25 carries.

With the win, the Patriots avenged a heartbreaking 2008 loss against the Chargers in Springfield. CPA improved to 6-4 with the win, while LCA dropped to 5-4 with the loss.

Today's game was the annual Patriot Senior Day. A halftime ceremony honored seniors and their parents from the football and cheer squads.  Seniors honored included Demonta Bailey, Joshua Burton, Jesse Campbell, Kayla Day (Cheer Captain), Jarod Dixon, Gerry Fenton, Davis Finley, Joseph Harp, Isaiah Hughes, Lenard Manuel, Delaney Newth (Cheer), Cameron Wainscott, and Ethan White.

A highlight came after the game when both teams met at midfield to pray together. Both coaches expressed their mutual love and admiration for one another and their teams and acknowledged that the squads share a brotherhood that is rare among competitors. Both teams promised to root for one another as they traveled to Tennessee (CPA) and Florida (LCA) for their respective national tournaments.

Scroll down to see a few photos from today's contest. And, stay tuned as we may be adding some through the weekend....

Christ Prep vs. Lighthouse Christian

The Christ Prep Patriots will take on Lighthouse Christian Academy of Springfield, Missouri in a 2:00 p.m. contest Saturday at Shawnee Mission North Field. Saturday's matchup is the Patriots' last home game and is Senior Day, which will feature a halftime tribute to CPA's senior football players and cheerleaders.

Lighthouse Christian, formerly known as the Springfield Chargers, comes in to the CPA matchup with a record of 5-3. The Patriots are 5-4. The Chargers defeated the Patriots in 2008 when the two teams met in the Springfield area. The Chargers' results are displayed below:



9/04/09 7:00 PM @ Maize South (Wichita, KS) 26-13 (W)

9/11/09 7:00 PM vs. Justice Wilson SeeWorth Academy (Oklahoma City, OK) (Tulsa) 48-6 (W)

9/18/09 7:00 PM @ Warrensburg (Warrensburg, MO) 0-20 (L)

9/25/09 7:00 PM @ West Side (Coal Hill, AR) 33-12 (W)

10/03/09 4:00 PM vs. Maize South (Wichita, KS) (Willard High School) 25-28 (L)

10/09/09 7:00 PM vs. Dallas HSAA North (Plano, TX) (Tulsa, OK) 34-33 (W)

10/16/09 7:00 PM @ Tulsa NOAH HomeSchool (Tulsa, OK) 21-36 (L)

10/23/09 7:00 PM vs. Oklahoma City Patriots HomeSchool (Oklahoma City, OK) (Tulsa) 33-0 (W)

10/31/09 2:00 PM @ Christ Prep Academy (Kansas City, KS) Pregame

Patriots Fall to Jaguars 39-22

The Christ Prep Patriots lost to the NOAH Jaguars 39-22 last night in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. CPA had trouble sustaining drives while NOAH took advantage of several big plays on their way to a 39-0 4th quarter lead. CPA's 4th period  touchdowns were scored by Jesse Campbell, Demonta Bailey, and Jesse Mann.  Darren Wallace scored a two point conversion while Jesse Campbell added another.

With the loss, the Patriots drop to 5-4 while the Jaguars improve to 6-2. Christ Prep is back in action next Saturday, October 31, when the team takes on Lighthouse Christian Academy (formerly Springfield Chargers). The game will be the Patriots' last at home and will be senior day.

It wasn't all bad news coming out of Broken Arrow last night. Scroll down to see some photos of Christ Prep's championship adult tug-of-war team. The Patriot team, comprised mostly of CPA moms and dads, put a big hurt on the team of NOAH adults in the tug-of-war contest, which was held on the 50-yard-line at halftime of the football game. The Patriot tuggers took the first two contests in the best-of-three matchup....

Patriots Travel to Tulsa

The Christ Prep Patriots travel to Tulsa, Oklahoma  today for a 7:00 p.m. contest against the NOAH Jaguars. NOAH (Northeast Oklahoma Assoc. of Homeschools) is a formidable opponent with a record of 5-2 against  high caliber competition. NOAH's most recent win came last week against Lighthouse Christian (Springfield Chargers) of Springfield, Missouri. NOAH prevailed 36-21 over Lighthouse, which is CPA's opponent next Saturday for the Patriots' Senior Day at Shawnee Mission North.

To learn more about tonight's opponent, go to http://noahjags.org/.

Please pray for the Patriots as it seems many of the guys are fighting the flu bug.

KC Chief Bowe Visits Patriot Practice

The CPA Patriots got a surprise visit today from Kansas City Chiefs' wide receiver Dwayne Bowe. Bowe arrived at the team's practice as the guys were putting on their pads and preparing to stretch. He stuck around for well over an hour, answering questions, posing for pictures, and discussing the role of family and faith in his life.  The Patriots had the privilege of circling Bowe and praying for him before he left for the evening.

Bowe was a great encouragement to the Patriots as he encouraged them to put the team above themselves. He also stressed the need for God's Word to be central in their lives.

Bowe was raised by his grandmother and aunt and now has a charitable foundation which assists families in similar situations. He spoke fondly of his grandmother and aunt who have been a constant source of encouragement and have consistently pointed him to the Scriptures as his source of inspiration and truth.

Bowe is a third-year pro out of  Louisiana State University (LSU), where he was a standout wideout for the Tigers. He played on LSU's  2003 National Championship team and was a first round pick of the Chiefs in 2007. In yesterday's win over the Washington Redskins, Bowe caught six passes for 109 yards. His career stats can be viewed at http://www.kcchiefs.com/player/dwayne_bowe/.

Following are some photos taken of Bowe and various Patriots at today's practice.

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Video Clips From Olathe Christian Game

Check out these video clips from the Patriot-OCS game Thursday night. If the link is not active, please cut and paste in your browser window....

Darren Wallace touchdown pass to Jack Layman: http://sharing.theflip.com/session/0df049005a17f101d42236e59a180897/video/6731584

Jesse Campbell touchdown run: http://sharing.theflip.com/session/84c8e5b59b6ad6b7383fff6aa7c8a27c/video/6731615

Darren Wallace touchdown pass to Timothy Finley: http://sharing.theflip.com/session/005f58cd198249763687696b9a55e68b/video/6731558

Christ Prep Defeats Olathe Christian 62-20

The Christ Prep Patriots beat the Olathe Christian Warriors 62-20 last night at Shawnee Mission South field. CPA excelled in all phases of the game and was able to get a variety of different players into the action.  With the win, CPA improves to 5-3 for the year as the team prepares for the season's home stretch.


Below is the box score from the game which provides a breakdown of the scoring. We'll try to post some photos later in the day or over the weekend.

Christ Prep 62 Olathe Christian 20




          1       2     3     4     F

OCS   6      0     6      8   20

CPA   21    21   7      13  62

CPA TD Lenard Manuel 23 run (Darren Wallace Kick)

CPA TD Jack Layman 10 pass from Wallace (Wallace Kick)

OCS TD Donny Criswell 69 run (run failed)

CPA TD Timothy Finley 9 pass from Wallace (Wallace Kick)

CPA TD Manuel 15 run (Wallace Kick)

CPA TD Wallace 52 run (Wallace Kick)

CPA TD Layman 6 run (Timothy Finley Kick)

CPA TD Wallace 27 run (Wallace Kick)

OCS TD Koreyon Robinson 9 pass from Keondre Thomas (run failed)

CPA TD Jesse Campbell 34 run (kick failed)

OCS TD Thomas 28 run (Criswell pass from Thomas)

CPA TD Isaiah Hughes 33 run (Finley Kick)

Patriots to face Olathe Christian tonight

Christ Prep will take on Olathe Christian tonight in a 7:00 p.m. contest at Shawnee Mission South High School. Please note the change in location of this game. This is a home game for CPA but SM North was unavailable tonight.

Patriot Football 2009 could not find reliable information on Olathe Christian's record this year. It is thought that the team is winless during this year's campaign, although this has not been documented. CPA prevailed last year against the football Warriors--the school's first in 11 man football.

Look for results of this game in tomorrow's post.

JV Loses 26-6 at Pleasant Ridge

The Christ Prep JV lost 26-6 last night in a contest against Pleasant Ridge High School in Easton, Kansas. Turnovers again plagued the Patriots in the loss, as several good drives were stalled because of fumbles or interceptions. The game had a number of bright spots for CPA, including a 2nd half TD by Jared Nield on a sweep around left end.

The Patriot varisty has a short week as it prepares for a Thursday game against Olathe Christian. That game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Shawnee Mission South field.

More Homecoming Game Photos/J.V. to Play Pleasant Ridge Today

Following are some additional photos from last Saturday's Homecoming victory over East High.

Stay tuned for results of today's JV matchup between CPA and Pleasant Ridge. The contest is set to get underway at 6:00 p.m. in Easton, Kansas.