Horizon Christian Academy

Jacob Smith Forsyth County News Horizon Christian will count on seniors Tanner Story, left, and Aaron Monroe to provide leadership on both sides of the football.

Horizon Christian set for title defense after historic season

By David Roberts

droberts@forsythnews.com

Horizon Christian Academy will enter the 2021 season as the reigning champions for the first time in school history.

The Warriors captured the GAPPS 8-man football Class 1A state championship last season against the David Emanuel Academy Eagles, bringing the school its first state title in football.

This year, Horizon Christian isn’t taking anybody by surprise.

“I try to tell them that it’s just a different approach now,” Horizon head coach Damon Taylor said. “We were hunting last year. Now every game for every other team is going to seem like homecoming for them. We just have to be prepared, and it’s a mental thing too, so I’m trying to get them prepared for that as well.”

A few of the players who helped Horizon make history last year graduated, including Malachi Mathis, who stepped in at quarterback during the Warriors playoff run.

However, Horizon’s roster features 19 players who have their sights set on defending their title.

“This year’s team looks really good, to say the least,” Taylor said. “We lost a big part of our offense in Malachi Mathis and Camden Moore, and also Isaac Bond. We lost Luke Sell early in the year – I think in the Pinecrest game – but Malachi Mathis and Camden Moore were huge parts of both sides of the ball. These guys have stepped up. We’ve got some new kids coming in that are also stepping up, so I’m looking forward to those guys stepping up to help fill that gap.”

Zane Lamonde returns after tearing his labrum last season and will play quarterback and linebacker.

Lamonde totaled 787 yards and 15 touchdown through the air last season, adding 294 yards and a pair of scores on the ground.

He also picked off two passes, made 45 tackles and had four sacks.

“I had to get full shoulder reconstruction,” Lamonde said. “I tore my labrum, so I ended up moving from quarterback to running back for the playoffs. I’m still kind of rehabbing through it, but I’m pretty much 100 percent now. It’s been about a six- to seven-month process, just starting with light movement and working up to throwing. I feel really good – actually, I feel better now than I probably did halfway through last year.

See HORIZON | 28

Aug. 20 – Horizon Christian at Holy Spirit Prep Aug. 27 – Horizon Christian at Fideles Christian Sept. 3 – Unity Christian School at Horizon Christian *Sept. 10 – Horizon Christian at Holy Ground Baptist Sept. 17 – BYE Sept. 24 – Horizon Christian at Johnson Ferry *Oct. 1 – Hearts Academy at Horizon Christian Oct. 8 – Horizon Christian at Lanier Christian Oct. 15 – BYE Oct. 22 – Our Lady of Mercy at Horizon Christian *Oct. 29 – King’s Way Baptist at Horizon Christian *Nov. 5 – Victory Baptist at Horizon Christian

*GAPPS Region 1-1A game

2020 results

5-4 Overall, 0-2 GAPPS Division I

Horizon Christian 61, Holy Spirit 6 Cherokee Christian 52, Horizon Christian 21 Horizon Christian 49, Hearts Academy 7 Pinecrest Academy 52, Horizon Christian 48 *Kings Way Christian 54, Horizon Christian 13 *Fideles Christian 44, Horizon Christian 28 **Horizon Christian 26, Vidalia Heritage 6 **Horizon Christian 33, King’s Way Christian 32 **Horizon Christian 42, David Emanuel Academy 38

*GAPPS Region 1-1A game **Playoff game

the coach Damon Taylor

At Horizon: 14-12, fourth season Overall: 14-12, fourth season