5 Ways LCA Eagles Football Conquered Their 'Kroger Field Curse' To Win The 2025 Class 2A State Championship
The Lexington Christian Academy (LCA) Eagles football program is officially in a new era, culminating in a historic victory that shattered a long-standing narrative. As of the current date, December 21, 2025, the LCA Eagles are the reigning KHSAA Class 2A State Champions, having secured their second-ever state title with a thrilling 33-28 win over Owensboro Catholic at Kroger Field on December 5, 2025. This championship marks a triumphant conclusion to a season of major transition, proving that the foundation built by a coaching legend is strong enough to support a new vision for the program’s future.
The 2025 season will be remembered not just for the championship trophy, but for the seamless transition of power from a beloved veteran coach to a dynamic new leader. The Eagles navigated a tough schedule and intense playoff run, including a nail-biting semifinal victory, to finally purge the so-called "Kroger Field curse" that had plagued their past state final appearances. The title is a testament to the team's resilience, the talent of its star players, and the strategic vision of its new coaching staff.
The New Era: Coaching Staff and Program History
The 2025 season began with a significant change in leadership, setting the stage for one of the most memorable years in program history. The foundation of the program, however, remains deeply rooted in the Christian values and commitment to excellence established over decades.
LCA Football Program Biography & Key Personnel
- School: Lexington Christian Academy (LCA)
- Location: Lexington, Kentucky
- Mascot: Eagles
- Classification: KHSAA Class 2A
- Program State Championships: 2 (2009 Class 1A, 2025 Class 2A)
- Former Head Coach/Current General Manager: Doug Charles (Retired as Head Coach on Feb 2, 2025, after 6 years as head coach and 25 years with the program).
- New Head Coach: Oakley Watkins (Named Head Varsity Football Coach on February 4, 2025).
- Defensive Coordinator: Mattie Lebryk
- Special Teams Coordinator & Offensive Assistant: Cole Britt
- Notable 2025 Star Players (Entities): Tyler King, Sam Pearson, Bode Darland, John Seigler, Bryce Blackerby, Paxton Gray.
The transition from Doug Charles to Oakley Watkins was a major storyline. Charles, a beloved figure who spent 25 years with the LCA football family, stepped down from the head coaching role but remained involved as the General Manager. This move provided continuity and allowed Watkins, a former Associate Head Coach, to seamlessly take the reins. Watkins’s leadership immediately paid dividends, as he guided the Eagles to a state title in his very first season at the helm, a remarkable achievement that validates the program's decision.
The Path to the 2025 Class 2A Championship
The 2025 LCA Eagles faced a challenging schedule that prepared them for the grueling postseason. Their journey to the KHSAA Class 2A State Finals was marked by high-stakes victories, showcasing the team's depth and mental toughness. The championship win itself was a historic moment, not only for the trophy but for overcoming the psychological hurdle of playing in a state final at Kroger Field.
1. Overcoming the Semifinal Gauntlet
Before facing the final challenge, the Eagles had to get past a formidable opponent in the Class 2A semifinals: the Belfry Pirates. In a hard-fought contest on November 28, 2025, LCA secured a thrilling 34-29 victory. This win was crucial, as it demonstrated the team's ability to win close, high-pressure games against top-tier competition. The offensive output and defensive stops required to edge out Belfry proved the Eagles were ready for the final stage.
2. The 'Kroger Field Curse' is Broken
For years, the LCA football program had struggled to find success in state championship games played at the University of Kentucky's Kroger Field. This perceived "curse" was a heavy weight on the program's shoulders. The 2025 Class 2A State Final against Owensboro Catholic was the opportunity to change the narrative. The Eagles entered the game determined to shake off the past and focus on the present.
3. Star Players Stepping Up in the Finals
The 33-28 championship victory over Owensboro Catholic was a complete team effort, but it was fueled by key performances from the Eagles' star athletes. Players like junior linebacker Bode Darland, who had been highlighted as a developing star, and other contributors such as Tyler King and Sam Pearson, delivered clutch plays on both sides of the ball. The ability of the roster to produce consistent excellence in the most critical moments was a defining factor in the championship run.
The defense, under the guidance of Defensive Coordinator Mattie Lebryk, was particularly stout when it mattered most, creating turnovers and forcing stops that kept the high-scoring Owensboro Catholic offense in check. Meanwhile, the offense executed a balanced attack, keeping the defense guessing and controlling the clock effectively.
The Legacy of the 2025 LCA Eagles
The 2025 KHSAA Class 2A State Championship is more than just a trophy; it represents the successful launch of the Oakley Watkins era and the solidification of LCA's status as a perennial Kentucky high school football powerhouse. The title is the program’s second in history, adding a Class 2A title to their 2009 Class 1A championship.
4. A Culture of Continuity and Excellence
The smooth transition from the legendary Doug Charles to Oakley Watkins highlights the strong culture within the program. Charles, who dedicated 45 years to coaching, including 25 with LCA, laid the spiritual and competitive groundwork. Watkins, who was already familiar with the team's values and systems, was the perfect choice to maintain the program's trajectory while injecting new energy. This continuity ensured the players remained focused on their goals despite the coaching change early in the year. The entire coaching staff, including Special Teams Coordinator Cole Britt, played a vital role in maintaining this stability.
5. Impact on Future Recruiting and Program Trajectory
Winning a state championship is the ultimate recruiting tool. The 2025 title will undoubtedly attract top middle school talent to the LCA Eagles program, ensuring sustained success in the coming years. The exposure from the championship game, combined with the proven track record of developing players like former standout Saxton Howard, positions LCA as a premier destination for student-athletes in Central Kentucky. The program’s commitment to academic and spiritual development, symbolized by the "middle C" in Lexington Christian Academy, remains central to its mission.
The 2025 season will be a benchmark for all future LCA teams. The Eagles not only won a championship but did so while navigating a major coaching change and overcoming historical playoff disappointments. The team’s resilience, the strategic brilliance of Coach Watkins, and the stellar play of athletes like John Seigler, Bryce Blackerby, and Paxton Gray have cemented the 2025 LCA Eagles as one of the most significant teams in program history. The future of Lexington Christian Academy football is bright, built on a legacy of faith, hard work, and championship success.
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