ABOVE: FBCS Knights post after their State Win
THE FOLLOWING IS A FIRST BAPTIST SCHOOL RELEASE
The First Baptist Knights’ Varsity Soccer Team, led by Coach Randy Lightcap and Assistant Coach Jake Cummins, made history by winning the 2023 Illinois Association of Christian Schools State Tournament.
The team dominated the previous year’s champions, Logos Christian, with a score of 4-0 on Saturday, October 21st, in Jacksonville. Senior Jeremiah Watson, Junior Eli Epling, and Sophomore Josiah Watson of the Knights were all awarded all-tournament players at the State Tournament.
This year’s team has had an incredible season, starting with an invitation to a National Soccer Tournament in Pensacola, Florida, where they placed second among other nationally ranked Christian School Soccer teams. Junior Austin McIntyre and Senior Jeremiah Watson were selected for the All-tournament team at the Pensacola Christian Florida Tournament.
All-Tournament State Players Jeremiah Watson, Eli Epling, Josiah Watson
Coach Randy Lightcap remarked, “I am very pleased with the way our team played this season. After finishing second in state last year, the team was focused on winning the championship this year. The extraordinary talent these young men possess combined with their desire to win and positive attitudes allowed them to accomplish their goal of being State Champions! While the accomplishment of winning a championship is amazing, I am most proud of their character on and off the field.” The Knights ended their season 10 and 3.
All-Tournament Team Pensacola National Tournament: Austin McIntyre & Jeremiah Watson
The team will celebrate their historic win with an all-school assembly on a future date. Jeremiah Watson, the senior center midfielder and team captain, expressed his satisfaction with representing Danville and their school. “We’ve worked hard for this moment and it paid off.”
