![\"Williams-Smith\"](\"http:\/\/smokymtnsports.com\/football\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2021\/10\/TKA-Middle1-518x300.jpg\")
TKA’s Elijah Williams-Smith looks for a receiver during the fourth quarter of the Lions’ 35-20 loss to Middle Tennessee Christian. Photo by Brian Hamilton<\/p><\/div>\n
TKA was engaged in a back-and-forth affair throughout the first half and found themselves tied with Commanders at 14 apiece late in the second half, as Lions’ quarterback Elijah Williams-Smith went into the end zone for a score.<\/p>\n
The teams were at a stalemate at 14-14 with just over five minutes left in the third quarter.<\/p>\n
Middle Tennessee Christian would reclaim the lead with a 21-yard touchdown pass from Howell with less than one minute remaining in the half. TKA would drive into Cougar territory late in the first half, but Josh Campanali would miss a 36-yard field goal.<\/p>\n
Middle Tennessee Christian would take a 21-14 lead into the locker room at halftime.<\/p>\n
During the third quarter, the Lions recovered a fumble in Cougar territory and McAfee took two handoffs and found paydirt. The extra-point attempt was no good, however, as the snap was mishandled, leaving the Lions with a 21-20 deficit.<\/p>\n
The rest of the game would belong to Middle Tennessee Christian, as the Cougars tacked on two more scores, including a 64-yard touchdown run by Eli Wilson, giving Middle Tennessee the 35-20 victory.<\/p>\n
The King’s Academy (4-3, 1-1 Region) will travel to Lakeway Christian (2-4, 0-1) in a crucial region battle on Friday, while Middle Tennessee Christian (4-3, 2-0 Region 1) will have the week off before hosting the Webb School on October 15.<\/p>\n
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BY BRIAN HAMILTON SEYMOUR – The King’s Academy had won three games in a row, albeit the third being a COVID forfeit against Swain County in North Carolina, but two weeks ago, the Lions pulled off a huge feat, beating Friendship Christian 28-21 for their first ever win against the Commanders in eight tries. TKA came out flat after a week off on Friday, however, losing to Middle Tennessee Christian 35-20 in a crucial region game. “I said all week that they do a very good job in a very unique offense,” TKA head coach Jonathan Sellers said. “It’s disappointing … <\/p>\n