Redemption Road: RTCA Crusaders Aim for GIAA State Title in 2025

LYONS, GA – Don't let last season's 3-8 record fool you. The Robert Toombs Christian Academy Crusaders are not a team to be underestimated, and they're gearing up for a 2025 campaign with a singular focus: a GIAA State Championship. Last year, the Crusaders defied expectations, navigating a schedule packed with larger classification opponents to reach the Class A State Championship game, falling just short in a hardfought 20-17 battle against Edmund Burke Academy.

Head Coach Matt Meeks, returning to lead the charge, readily acknowledges the deceptive nature of their previous record. 'It may not look great, but because of the landscape of our association, we have to play a lot of higher classification teams,' Meeks explained. 'There are just four of us in our classification, and so when it hits the playoffs that is what we have. But we went up against a team in the semifinals that was 9-0, and we beat them 28-6, so we get our players ready to play, and it shows when it counts.'

Indeed, that dominant 28-6 upset of a 9-1 Flint River Academy in the semifinals was a testament to the Crusaders' ability to rise to the occasion. Meeks also pointed to close losses against AA powerhouses Southland and Trinity, both decided in the final minutes, as further evidence of his team's competitiveness. 'We know our plan. We must eliminate the outside noise, and we know our plan is 100% achievable,' Meeks affirmed. 'We did a good job of that, and we came up as the State Runner-up.'

With a small but dedicated roster of 20 players, the Crusaders have put in the work this summer. Weight room sessions have been productive, with every player achieving new personal bests, and their performances at summer camps have been promising.

'The guys that have been able to be there have been working their tails off,' Meeks said. 'We know with a small school that we have kids that have other sport obligations over the summer, and we have to deal with continued from page

that, but when they are here, they have all been working hard.' This commitment reflects the continuous improvement RTCA has shown over recent seasons, steadily building into a consistent state championship contender.

Coaching Staff: A Solid Foundation Coach Meeks will be joined by a familiar and experienced coaching staff. Jared Durden steps into the Offensive Coordinator role, also handling special teams. Kevin Robbins remains the Defensive Coordinator, while also serving as strength coach and guiding the receivers and defensive backs. Benny McLendon and Britt Tabor will lend their expertise on Friday nights, and Steve Masterman Smith will be an invaluable asset handling equipment, video, and team management.

Offensive Outlook: New Signal-Caller, Veteran Weapons The offense will feature a new face under center this season as sophomore Drew Edwards takes over at quarterback. Edwards saw some reps last season, primarily at running back, but will now command the Crusader attack.

The ground game will be anchored by feature back Jordan Brown. Blake Durden, a versatile athlete, will also see time in the backfield and at receiver, with Brody Randall providing additional depth at running back.

The receiving corps boasts an experienced and dangerous group, including several seniors. Senior Anthony Cook (6'5') will be a primary target, having diligently worked to refine his game in the offseason. Fellow seniors Britton Tabor and Blake Durden are expected to make significant impacts, with Durden also capable of lining up at tight end. Senior Hayden Meeks is also poised for a bigger role in the passing game.

The offensive line, though needing to replace some key players, has a strong core. Senior Isaac Holton will anchor the unit at center. Seth Holton, a big presence, and experienced senior Grayson Smesny will man the guard spots. Powerful senior Alijah Hodges and junior Landon Smith will protect the edges at tackle.

Defensive Power: Familiar Faces, Fierce Play Many of the offensive standouts will also be crucial on the defensive side of the ball. Up front, Isaac Holton will lead the charge at nose guard, flanked by Alijah Hodges and Seth Holton at defensive end. Other players will rotate in to provide depth and flexibility on the defensive line.

The linebacker corps will be formidable with Blake Durden, Brantley Black, and Brody Randall. All three possess excellent ball skills and play with a physical edge. At strong safety, Jordan Brown and Britton Tabor will shift from outside linebacker to safety, demonstrating their versatility in both run support and pass coverage.

In the secondary, Anthony Cook and Drew Edwards will spearhead the cornerback positions, providing solid pass defense. Hayden Meeks will patrol the center field from his free safety spot, with other players ready to contribute in the defensive backfield as

needed.

Special Teams: Steady Hand at Kicker

Hayden Meeks will continue to handle all placekicking and kickoff duties, having steadily improved over his career and proving to be a valuable asset on special teams. His younger brother, Heath Meeks, may also see some opportunities. Hayden will also serve as the team's punter, with Anthony Cook as the long snapper. Community Support: The Heartbeat of RTCA Football Coach Meeks emphasized the unwavering support the program receives. 'We always have great support,' he stated. 'Our Head of School, Scott Tuck, does so much for us as a staff and also for these kids. He has our back every day. The parents we have at RTCA are phenomenal. They back these kids unconditionally. It is such a close-knit community from the alumni to the current staff and parents and the community as a whole, this is such a great place to be.'

As the Robert Toombs Christian Academy Crusaders prepare to kick off their 2025 season, the stage is set for another exciting run. With a resilient mindset, dedicated coaching, and a core group of talented, hardworking athletes, RTCA has all the ingredients to once again contend for the GIAA State Championship. And for visiting teams to McLendon Field, they'll be met with improved visitor bleachers, ensuring a better experience for everyone, even as the Crusaders aim to make it a tough night on the scoreboard.