Submitted by Jon Waldrop, Athletic Director, Faith Academy, Bellville
In a thrilling come-from-behind finish, the Faith Academy Knights clinched a spot in the state semifinals with a dramatic 4-3 victory over the Bracken Christian Warriors on Thursday night. The hard-fought win keeps the Knights’ perfect season alive as they move to 13-0 and head to UT Arlington for the TAPPS State Tournament.
Trailing 3-0 in the fifth inning, the Knights began to chip away at Bracken Christian’s lead. Faith scratched across two runs in the bottom half of the inning, cutting the deficit to one and swinging momentum back in their favor. From there, it was a battle of grit, poise, and execution.
Senior Cash Eckermann got the start for Faith, working five strong innings while allowing six hits and three runs—only one of which was earned. Eckermann also fanned five and walked two before handing the ball to reliever Christian Pillow, who turned in a lights-out performance. The right-hander was untouchable over two innings of relief, striking out three without surrendering a hit or a walk, earning the win in the process.
Faith Academy’s defining moment came in the bottom of the seventh. Down 3-2, Gage Wilson and Dyllan Olivares drew back-to-back walks to set the stage. Eckermann then delivered a deep fly to right field, allowing both runners to tag and advance to second and third. With one out and the tying run 90 feet away, Bracken Christian elected to intentionally walk Travis Woodley, loading the bases.
That’s when sophomore Kayden Marcotte stepped into the spotlight. Marcotte laced a clutch single down the right field line, scoring the tying run. Just two pitches later, Olivares darted home on a passed ball, sliding in with the game-winning run as the Faith dugout erupted.
Marcotte, who finished with a hit and an RBI, was named one of the Knights’ Players of the Game, alongside Gage Wilson and Dyllan Olivares. Wilson reached base twice via walks, while Olivares chipped in a hit, an RBI, and the winning run.
“It was a great win for us,” said head coach Travis Woodley after the game. “The boys never gave up and did what it took to get the victory. These last few games, errors have hurt us. If we could clean those up, it would make my job a lot more pleasant.”
Faith Academy will face Hallettsville Sacred Heart in the state semifinal Thursday at 4 p.m. at UT Arlington. With momentum on their side and an undefeated record, the Knights will look to continue their remarkable season deep into the postseason.
