LAFAYETTE, LA — The 2025 season marks a pivotal chapter in the young history of First Baptist Christian School’s football program, led by Head Coach Grayson Standiford. Now entering its third season, the Eagles are no longer the new kids on the block in the Association of Christian Educators League. With eight returning starters on both sides of the ball, an experienced coaching staff, and a maturing core of dedicated players, expectations at the Eagle’s Kickoff Banquet on Friday night are higher than ever — and rightfully so.
Coach Standiford, a seasoned coach with more than three decades in athletics and a long tenure at Westminster Christian Academy, took the reins of the fledgling FBCS program in its inaugural 2023 season. Year one ended without a win, but last year the Eagles showed growth, finishing 2–8 and laying the foundation for this year’s goals: a playoff berth and a chance to compete for a state title.
Building Strength and Identity
The 2025 Eagles are bigger, faster, and stronger than ever before — thanks in large part to a structured offseason focused on weightlifting from December through June and speed and conditioning training in July and August.
“Our kids are stronger and they have a better idea of what we’re trying to do on both sides of the ball,” said Coach Standiford. “We’re developing toughness, leadership, and a Christ-centered character that will impact their lives beyond football.”
That mindset is central to Standiford’s vision for the program. “We’re not just building football players. We’re building future fathers, husbands, and leaders. Football is just one tool we use to disciple young men.”
Returning Talent: Fueled by Faith
FBCS will be led by a solid core of experienced athletes, including junior running back/linebacker Benji Moore (#23), who rushed for 823 yards and added 231 receiving yards with 12 touchdowns last season. He was also second on the team in tackles and earned All-State honors at linebacker.
Dual-threat quarterback Judah Pritchard (#1) returns for his junior campaign, bringing both speed and poise to the offense. Anchoring both lines is Nate Hill (#47), a junior center and defensive end who led the league with 42 tackles. Senior tight end/defensive end Jackson Ortego (#77) rounds out the veteran leadership. An All-State selection as a sophomore, Ortego enters his final season as one of the team’s emotional leaders.
“These guys have been through it all together,” said Standiford. “They didn’t quit when we were getting beat up in year one. They stayed the course, and now they’re reaping the benefits of that perseverance.”
Team captains have embraced two rallying cries for the 2025 season: “All In” and “Fueled by Faith.” According to Coach Standiford, these phrases reflect their commitment to one another and to Christ.
“Being ‘All In’ means we don’t point fingers when things get tough. We take responsibility and succeed as a team. ‘Fueled by Faith’ reminds us that our trust in God must also extend to our teammates and coaches. That kind of faith is powerful.”
New Field and Growing Culture
The Eagles will play their home games this year at the Broussard Sports Complex, moving away from the more expensive Clark Field.
“It’s about a third the cost of Clark,” Standiford explained. “We’re saving money while still giving our fans a good place to come watch football.”
Though temporary, the goal is to develop a more permanent home field at Moore Park, where the team already practices and plays baseball. A long-term partnership with the city could eventually make that dream a reality.
Coaching and Program Development
Coach Standiford is supported by assistant coaches Landon Foster, who coordinates the defense, and Cole Mire, who manages film, media, and press box duties. The program continues to grow from the ground up, with a lower-level flag football program for fifth through seventh graders designed to mirror the varsity offense and prepare younger athletes for the future.
The school now boasts 16 returning players with hopes of reaching 20 with incoming transfers and 8th grade call-ups. With increased enrollment — from 40 students in the high school three years ago to 68 now — momentum is building in all areas of campus life.
In fact, FBCS will debut its first-ever cheerleading squad this season, with 22 cheerleaders and about 25 in the pep squad. “Thursday nights are going to be exciting,” Standiford promised.
Competing in a Growing League
FBCS competes in the Association of Christian Educators League, which welcomes two new teams this year. While perennial powerhouse John Paul the Great Academy (JPG) remains the team to beat, Coach Standiford sees opportunity.
“To beat JPG, you have to limit their possessions, control the line of scrimmage, and execute on special teams,” he said. “They onside kick every time and run the Veer offense, which is tough to stop. But we’re learning and improving.”
In the long term, FBCS hopes to make the jump to the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA), possibly within the next two years.
“We’re looking at joining a district with schools like Westminster, Vermilion Catholic, and Highland,” said Standiford. “That will reduce travel and give us consistent, quality competition.”
A Coach’s Calling
Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, Coach Standiford played college football at Charleston Southern University. He spent over 20 years at Westminster of Opelousas before joining FBCS to launch its football program. In addition to serving as athletic director, he teaches Upper School P.E., coaches girls basketball, and even drives the bus.
Now in his final coaching stop, Standiford sees First Baptist’s football program as a long-term ministry.
“We’ve got Christian values, strong academics, and growing athletics. Our vision is to give kids a reason to stay here and thrive.”
As the Eagles take the field this fall, they’ll do so with heart, hope, and a mission far bigger than wins and losses. For this team, success is defined not only by points on the scoreboard — but by lives shaped by purpose, perseverance, and faith.
The Eagles open the season on the road August 7, 2025, at Mount Olive Christian School and return home the following week on August 14, 2025, to play Acadiana Christian School at home.
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First Baptist Christian School
Eagle’s Football Schedule
- FBCS @ Mt. Olive – Thursday, August 7th
- FBCS vs. ACS – Thursday, August 14th
- FBCS @ SWLA – Thursday, August 21st
- FBCS vs. Midstate – Thursday, August 28th
- FBCS @ FLA – Thursday, September 4th
- FBCS @ North Shore – Thursday, September 11th
- BYE – Thursday, September 18th
- FBCS vs. JPG – Thursday, September 25th
- FBCS vs. Mt. Olive – Thursday, October 2nd
- FBCS @ Midstate – Thursday, October 9th
Interview by J. Christian Lewis, article AI assisted