Windsor drops home game 43-14 against Trinity Christian after struggles with physicality, rain

In a rainy, mud-soaked battle, the Windsor Academy Knights were outmuscled by the Trinity Christian Crusaders in a 43-14 loss in Macon Friday night. 

The tough loss dropped Windsor to 2-3 on the season, as the Knights struggled to match the physicality of their opponents in the difficult conditions.

Windsor head coach Dylan Bass didn’t hold back when discussing the team’s performance. 

“Up front, we didn’t bring it. We didn’t bring the physicality. They did. Caps off to them, and you know they’re some big guys, but we’ve got big guys too,” he said. “We just didn’t show up tonight.” 

His words summed up the tone of the first half, during which Trinity Christian built up a commanding lead.

The game started with Windsor showing promise. Quarterback Dawson Sims escaped pressure and scrambled for a 15-yard gain, but the offense stalled soon after.

The Knights’ ensuing punt was blocked by Trinity Christian but, in a bizarre twist, the wet ball bounced off a Crusader player, allowing Windsor to recover it for a first down. The play offered a perfect demonstration of the role the rain played throughout the contest.

Despite the rare play and subsequent opportunity, Windsor couldn’t convert the drive into points. Trinity Christian’s defense stiffened, forcing a strip sack that resulted in a defensive touchdown.

The Crusaders snagged an interception on the next Knights possession, which led to another score. Trinity Christian built a 40-6 lead by halftime, with Windsor’s only highlight being a 76-yard touchdown run through the mud by Jay Singleton.

Coming off a bye week after a tough 49-22 loss to Augusta Day Prep, Windsor had hoped to turn things around. The Knights started their foray back into 11-man football off strong with a 2-0 record, notching wins over Pataula Charter Academy and Thomas Jefferson Academy to begin the year, but the dreary weather made it difficult for the Knights to get back on track.

The second half was a different story. Windsor’s defense played with more determination, led by key tackles from Sims and Peyton Newman. The Knights’ offense also found its groove late in the game, as Sims connected with sophomore wide receiver Chris Lamar for a 23-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter followed by a successful two-point conversion. 

Though the game was out of reach, Windsor’s fight in the second half was encouraging.

“We got to find a way to get physical. That’s been our struggle this year. The start of this year it was physicality,” Bass said. “We got to find a way to get physical in the trenches. Just keep chopping wood. Keep moving forward.”

Windsor travels to Briarwood Academy next and will look to continue its road success — the Knights have won their last five consecutive away games.

“We got to go to work, plain and simple. You know we got to go to work. We got to get physical, keep doing what we’re doing, figure out a way,” Bass said.