By Ken Jackson
Sports Writer

The best thing about Celebration and Life Academy’s Kickoff Classics?

When it comes to their records, they don’t count.

Both will try Friday to bounce back from tough preseason losses.

The Storm, who open the regular season at 7 p.m. against Lake Placid at Storm field, fell 54-0 to Monarch, Colo. at Wide World of Sports last week.

“They were way bigger than we were, their JV was bigger than my varsity,” Storm Coach Ben Aarestad said. “Their coach told me to prepare for a certain offense and they ran something else and we couldn’t find anything to adjust to.”

Then again, the Storm didn’t help themselves, either.

“We just had a bad game, fumbled snaps, had six turnovers, and got beat up,” Aarestad said.

Celebration defeated Lake Placid, 25-20, on the road last year, and Aarestad is optimistic for Friday’s game.

“Got a few more players out so it is something to look forward to,” he said. “I kind of feel good, I think that they are a little better than us, but we might have a chance since we are home.”

Life Christian will play its first regular-season game ever on Friday, when the Lions take on Cornerstone Academy at 7 p.m. at Archie Gordon Park in Buenaventura Lakes.

Life dropped its Kickoff Classic to Foundation Academy, 43-6. Antonio Smith scored on a 13-yard run, Richard Bruno, Andrew Waterhouse and Luis Torres had three tackles and David Millo had a sack.

“This week we need to be more physical on defense and just execute on offense, just basic football stuff.” Coach Mike Bonneville said.

City of Life Academy lost its 6-man football opener last week against Haven Christian, 40-13 at Austin-Tindall Park. Freshman quarterback Kolin Funk passed for 96 yards and a TD. Senior Kyle Funk, Kolin’s brother, caught the TD pass and had 60 yards in receptions.

The Warriors travel to Citrus Park Christian Friday at 5 p.m.

“The next two games are going to be very difficult tasks. We play the No. 3 (Citrus Park) team in the state and then the No. 2 (Clearwater Christian) next week,” Harris said. “Overall, we had a great time and are excited to get back on the field Friday night.”