Russell Christian players hold the eight-man championship trophy up last Friday in Tuscaloosa, Ala., after defeating East Memorial in the title game.

Most football teams are done practicing once they win a state championship.

Russell Christian Academy, however, has its sights on an even bigger prize: a national championship.

RCA topped East Memorial Christian 32-0 last Friday to capture the Alabama Christian Education Association’s eight-man football state title. Now, the Warriors are heading to Panama City, Fla., this weekend to participate in the 2017 National Homeschool Football Association’s Eight-Man National Championship. 

The Warriors will face Life Academy from Bakersfield, Calif., at 11 a.m. Saturday to begin their quest for a national title. It’s a bit of an unfamiliar feeling, but RCA head coach Chad Eaves said he and his players are excited about the opportunity.

“It’s a great opportunity, especially playing a team from California,” Eaves said. “It’s a huge experience, and we’re going to see what we’re made of.”

For junior tight end Austin Gibson, having a game after winning a championship is a unique feeling, but it’s one he embraces.

“It feels pretty good,” Gibson said. “It’s different than what we’ve usually done. It’ll be good for the team and school if we win nationals because we’ll (get a lot of exposure).”

The fact the tournament is in Panama City makes it a fun reward for his team after winning state, but Eaves also hopes his players won’t get too caught up in the location.

“I want them to enjoy it, but we’re going there to win, so we have to stay focused,” Eaves said. “I want us to take it easy (in practice), because we have people who need to get well, but we’re going there to win a national championship.”

The feeling of being a state champion is still fresh on junior receiver/defensive end Jared McMullen’s mind, but he knows there’s still work to be done, though he confirmed the players are taking a more relaxed approach as they try to get 100-percent healthy.

“It feels great, knowing everything we’ve worked for and had a vision for came true,” McMullen said. “We’re more laid back then we were, but we’re still up-tempo and doing everything we’ve done throughout the whole season.”

Life Academy provides a unique challenge not just because of its skill level, but also because the only film Eaves can find on the school is from a game in 2015.

“We don’t know what to expect on offense, so we have to do what we do best, which is run multiple offenses and shut down the run and the pass on defense,” Eaves said.

From what little he knows about the team, McMullen said he and his teammates will have to play their best game of the season.

“They’re big, and they’re going to be physical, so we have to be more physical and beat them where we’re strong,” McMullen said.

Gibson said playing in Panama City will be different, especially since a win Saturday would mean another game on Sunday.

“It’s going to be a long (way to) travel, and it’ll be different for the team having two games, but I think our team can handle it,” Gibson said.

As for what it will take to win it all, Gibson said attitude is the biggest factor.

“It’s going to take dedication and effort from every player knowing their jobs,” Gibson said.