NEWTOWN, Ohio — Miami Valley Christian Academy returns to the MVCA All-Weather Field on Friday, Sept. 18, as the Lions host Summit Country Day for Neon Night and Little Lions Night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
MVCA enters Friday at 3-1 after earning a thrilling 21-20 victory over Western Hills University last week. The Lions are unbeaten in three road games this season and will now look to secure their first home victory of the year.
Summit Country Day comes to Newtown at 2-1 and riding a two-game winning streak, setting up a matchup between two teams carrying momentum into Friday night.
DesJardins Leads Lions Into Friday Night
Senior Jeremiah DesJardins is coming off a breakout performance in his first start at quarterback.
Against Western Hills, DesJardins accounted for all three MVCA touchdowns, completing 6-of-17 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown while carrying the ball 22 times for 166 yards and two scores. His 288 yards of total offense helped the Lions build an early lead and ultimately hold on for the one-point victory.
DesJardins connected with senior Aiden Frisby for a 45-yard touchdown, while junior Lucas Livezey led MVCA with three receptions for 46 yards. Senior AJ Ardizzone added two catches for 31 yards. Junior kicker Ethan Ressler converted all three of his extra-point attempts.
Friday presents another opportunity for the Lions to build around the versatility DesJardins displayed both through the air and on the ground.
Lions Defense Making an Impact
MVCA's defense delivered when it mattered most last Friday.
Holding a 21-20 advantage entering the fourth quarter, the Lions kept Western Hills off the scoreboard over the final period to preserve the victory. MVCA finished the night with seven sacks and two forced turnovers, including an interception by Judah Walters and a forced fumble and recovery by Zach Holland.
That performance continued a strong start individually for several Lions defenders.
Senior linebacker Hans Erickson leads MVCA with 32 total tackles through four games, including four tackles for loss, a half sack and an interception. Junior defensive lineman Layton Reeves has totaled 26 tackles, five tackles for loss and two sacks, while senior Jonah Criste has added 24 tackles and an interception. DesJardins has also recorded 26 tackles, two sacks and an interception on the defensive side of the ball.
Reeves was especially disruptive against Western Hills, recording two of MVCA's seven sacks. Livezey also finished with two sacks, while Holland added 1.5.
Scouting Summit Country Day
Summit Country Day opened its season with a 30-26 loss to Cincinnati Country Day before responding with consecutive victories over Clark Montessori, 24-8, and Norwood, 47-6.
The Silver Knights showed their ability to create explosive plays in last week's win over Norwood.
Summit rushed for 226 yards on 19 carries, led by Dillon Minton, who finished with 140 yards and two touchdowns on seven attempts. David Poignard Jr. added 57 rushing yards, while Braxton Austin and Ethan O'Dwyer also scored on the ground.
Summit also produced points in all three phases. The Silver Knights recorded a safety and returned a fumble for a touchdown defensively, while Korde Williams added a 65-yard punt return for a score. Kicker Emmett Hood converted six extra points and a 27-yard field goal.
Containing Summit's rushing attack and limiting explosive plays will be a major focus for the Lions on Friday night.
Neon Night and Little Lions Night
Friday will feature a big night under the lights at MVCA as Lion Nation celebrates Neon Night and Little Lions Night.
Fans are encouraged to wear neon and fill the stands as the Lions return home.
MVCA's Little Lions will also join the cheerleaders to cheer on the Lions, making Friday night a special opportunity for some of MVCA's youngest students to be part of the game-day atmosphere.
Game Information
Summit Country Day at Miami Valley Christian Academy
Date: Friday, Sept. 18
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: MVCA All-Weather Field
Theme: Neon Night / Little Lions Night
MVCA: 3-1 | Summit Country Day: 2-1
Tickets
Tickets will be available for purchase at the game. Fans who prefer a digital option can also purchase an MVCA digital season pass.
Concessions
Concessions will be available inside the Upper School cafeteria throughout the evening.
The Lion Cafe will also be serving coffee, quesadillas, slushes and more!
Regular concession options include bottled soda, water, Gatorade, canned soft drinks, candy, chips, protein bars, trail mix, beef sticks, cookies, popcorn, hot dogs, pizza, Chick-fil-A sandwiches and frozen treats.
Concession pricing includes: bottled soda $3, water $2, Gatorade $3, canned soft drinks $2, candy $2, chips $1, protein bars $3, trail mix $2, beef sticks $2, cookies $2, popcorn $1, hot dogs $3, pizza slices $3, Chick-fil-A sandwiches $7 and novelty ice cream/popsicles $2. Cash or credit will be accepted.
Lion Nation, wear your neon and come out Friday night to support the Lions!
