Tri-City Christian 10, Classical Academy 13

In the end, someone moves on and someone goes home, it’s the reality of the playoffs. Classical Academy will make a long drive up from Escondido all the way to Calexico next week to face Vincent Memorial as they move on to the semis defeating Tri-City Christian, 13-10. Both teams played solid defense Friday night and used their ground games to an advantage, but Classical just had a little more in the tank on defense. Whenever the Caimans offense couldn’t get that 3rd down conversion or made a mistake, Classical’s defense made up for it.

Despite Tri-City Christian’s four turnovers on the night on offense, the Eagles had a couple of chances to come back. In the 4th Quarter, down 13-10, Tri-City’s defense forced a big turnover in Caiman territory, but the Eagles couldn’t convert on a 35-yard line-drive field goal that could’ve tied it at 13. Next possession, Eagles QB Andrew Reitmeyer is intercepted. Ensuing possession, Eagles DB Josh Pheneger intercepts Caimans QB Mark Fuson, but ensuing Eagles possession, they fumble and the Caimans Andy McKeown recovers it. Fast-forward to two minutes left in the game, the Eagles had to go 77-yards for a touchdown. On 4th and 10, Andrew Reitmeyer tries to look for WR Ben Graves but is deflected by; you guessed it, Andrew McKeown. Caimans took over on downs and that sealed the envelope in this one.

Friday night was Classical Academy’s first CIF playoff appearance and first playoff win in school history! They move on to play Vincent Memorial at Calexico next Friday night for a right to play in the Div V Championship. Meanwhile, Tri-City Christian’s season ends at (4-6) and the end of an era for Tri-City Christian Head Coach Rick Brown, who is calling it a career after 40-years of playing football and coaching. The PPR wishes you the best, Coach Brown.