In just four games, First Academy-Leesburg quarterback Henry Purvis has already accounted for 17 touchdowns, 13 passing and four rushing, helping the Eagles to a 3-1 start and earning a No. 3 ranking among Florida’s 8-man teams on MaxPreps.

Henry is a multi-sport athlete who began playing flag football in seventh grade and switched to tackle in the spring of his eighth-grade year in 2023. He has emerged as one of the top players in the Sunshine State Athletic Association 8-man tackles football division.

While Henry has been stellar to open the season he’s quick to credit the big men in the trenches who have given him time to pass in the pocket, allowing Henry to find open receivers.

“Some of the keys to the hot start this year is our O-line giving me time and the receivers getting open,” Henry says. “They are working very hard to give opportunities for key offensive plays. Also, Coach Lowe’s play calling has been very good this year.”

Those around the FA-Leesburg football program describe Henry as more than a productive player. FA-Leesburg Athletic Director Don Birdsall has observed him closely. “Henry is a young man who has persevered through difficult times,” he says. “He continued studying the game while waiting for his opportunity to lead, and has elevated his leadership both on the field and at school.”

“His willingness to accept the challenge and encourage those around him” sets him apart as an athlete, Birdsall says. “Henry is a young man with solid character. He is kind to those he does not know and loves to joke around with his friends. He has done a great job of mentoring the younger players on the team.”

Henry also puts faith and academics first and is a well-rounded student-athlete.

For Henry, the appeal of football at First Academy-Leesburg centers on relationships. Many of his teammates have played together since middle school, and the coaches have invested in his development both as a player and as a person.

“Playing football at FA-Leesburg has been fun because I get to practice and play alongside my friends,” he says. “FA coaches have invested in me as a player and helped me grow as a young man.”

His favorite aspect of football is “building relationships with my teammates and coaches.” That chemistry has led to one of FA-Leesburg’s best starts in many years. While Henry has had many standout memories, one in particular stands out: an overtime victory over Geneva Classical Academy last year.

One of Henry’s role models is former UF Gator and NFL player Tim Tebow. Henry points to his strong Christian faith, leadership and desire to encourage others.

Henry also lives by some advice he’s received over the years. “If you put in halfway effort, you are going to get halfway results. Go all in!” he says.

Football has certainly reinforced that lesson. “Football has taught me that discipline and hard work pay off,” Henry says. And that couldn’t be more true as the Eagles are soaring to start the year off.

While Henry loves the game of football, he knows he’s playing for a bigger purpose. Not just on the field but in life. Henry’s favorite Bible verse is 1 Corinthians 10:31: “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

After graduation, Henry plans to study AutoCAD and welding.

It’s been one stellar start for this year’s Eagles team who will look to build on their strong start as the season progresses. Keep a good eye on this team. They could be one of the favorites to make a run at a state championship this season.

Photos provided by Edwards Photography