Saturday, September 7, 2024
Christian Davila makes tackles when he isn’t being crowned king.
From left, Isaiah Simpson blocks for running back Christian Davila.
Nehemiah Crowell congratulates Christian Davila after scoring a touchdown.
AZLE — The Azle Christian Crusaders know how to host a homecoming celebration.
On Sept 15, the football team played Greenville Christian at home in front of packed stands and dominated the game from start to finish.
The finish came quicker than usual.
The Crusaders led 51-0 at halftime, and the referees called the game due to the mercy rule. That left the rest of the evening for celebrating homecoming.
“It was a fantastic turnout by the Cru Nation,” said head coach Clayton Sanders. “We certainly appreciate the fans turning up and getting loud for us. It was a nice win for the team and the fans.”
Running back and wideout Brodie Clark enjoyed a monster night with 3 carries for 93 yards and 3 TDs and 4 receptions for 153 yards and 2 TDs.
Quarterback Andy Wisniewski went 4/5 for 143 yard and 2 TDs.
Linebacker Levi Morrow intercepted a pass and ran it back for a 20-yard TD.
Linebacker Jake Skartvedt led the defense with 7 tackles.
The Crusaders will play next at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, at home against Perrin-Whitt High School.
crowning heads
Christian Davila was tired, bruised, and sweaty after romping all over Greenville during the game. He made long runs and scored touchdowns on offense and made tackles on defense.
Hearing his name called over the loudspeaker as the new homecoming king perked him up, and he smiled as he made his way to the center of the football field while the crowd applauded.
How did he plan to celebrate?
“Probably go home,” he said. “I’m tired.”
Davila expected to win the game, but he was surprised by being picked for king. He grew up attending public schools and felt lost in the crowd much of the time. He enrolled at ACS as a sophomore three years ago and describes himself as a simple, friendly guy who gets along with others.
“I’m at a smaller school where most of the people know me,” he said.
The focus on homecoming tends to fall mostly on the queen. Last year’s queen Laney Geeslin showed up to put the crown on the head of the new queen, which just happened to be her best friend, Bayleigh Lynn.
Lynn liked how the crown felt but shunned personal credit.
“It feels really good, but all glory to God,” she said. “I’m very happy that I influence my school that much that they would want to vote me for their queen. I really never thought that I was going to get it. There is a very big close tie between all of us. All of these (potential) queens are very involved in school and very likable people.”
She planned to enjoy her moment awhile, mingle on the field with friends, and take photos to remember her evening.
“I have big shoes to fill because my best friend got it last year, but it feels really good,” she said.
senior king nominees
Christian Davila, escorted by Raymond and Norma Davila.
Tyler Reyes, escorted by Dallas and Shelly Reyes.
Jake Skartvedt, escorted by Jim and Danella Skartvedt.
Colton Vaughn, escorted by Brad and Amber Vaughn.
senior queen nominees
Kylie Chambers, escorted by Taylor Guy, Brandon Chambers, and Crystal Eldridge.
Eliana Colson, escorted by Caleb and Julia Colson.
Bayleigh Lynn, escorted by Nick and Sharia McDowell.
Olivia Ramos, escorted by Hector and Meredith Ramos.
homecoming court
Freshman prince: Aiden Largent, escorted by Jesse and Ashley Largent.
Freshman princess: Haylee Malewiski, escorted by Jason and Krystal Malewiski.
Sophomore prince: Gage Anderson, escorted by Tim and Bethany Anderson.
Sophomore princess: Dari Skartvedt, escorted by Jim and Danelle Skartvedt.
Junior prince: Kelton Schott, escorted by Shaun and Amy Schott.
Junior princess: Vanessa Malewiski, escorted by Bruce Adams.
Last year’s homecoming queen Laney Geeslin crowns new queen Bayleigh Lynn.
Christian Davila and Bayleigh Lynn are the new king and queen at ACS.
