LEESBURG, Fla. — First Academy-Leesburg is headed to the Class 1A District 6 Championship game after a dramatic 11-9 comeback win over St. John Lutheran Tuesday night—highlighted by a moment that could have been pulled from a movie script.

With their season on the line in the bottom of the seventh inning, trailing 9-8 with two outs and runners on first and third, First Academy’s senior Collin Herrell stepped to the plate for what could have been the final at-bat of his baseball career. Before he grabbed his bat, Herrell paused in the dugout for a quiet moment of prayer, asking for divine guidance in what he believed would be his last swing as a high school player.

Moments later, he delivered—blasting a three-run walk-off home run over the fence to lift the Eagles past St. John Lutheran 11-9 and into the championship game against top-seeded Mount Dora Christian Academy.

(Collin Herrell pauses in the dugout to say a prayer before blasting a three run home run to send FA-Leesburg to play in the district championship game against MDCA. Photo Credit – Brenda Anderson.)

“It was just me and God in that moment,” Herrell said. “I’ve played this game since I was three years old. I knew this might be it—and I just prayed for God’s favor.”

That prayer was answered in dramatic fashion. With a full count and the tying run in scoring position following a timely steal by Cason Cherry, Herrell locked in on a fastball and launched it deep, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. One of the players’ moms captured a photo of Herrell praying in the dugout—an image that now symbolizes the faith, heart, and grit this team has played with all season.

The walk-off capped off a team-wide effort that saw the Eagles claw back throughout the game to stay within striking distance. Herrell’s teammates and coaches, including his older brother who serves as the team’s assistant pitching coach, swarmed him at home plate to celebrate the unforgettable moment.

(It has been an up and down season for FA-Leesburg this year but they have earned the right to play for a district championship. This group of players has fought all season long and they have a big opportunity in front of them tonight.)

“It was something I’ll never forget,” Herrell added. “I’m just so thankful to have had this moment with my teammates, coaches, and family.”

Now, the  (No. 2 seed) First Academy-Leesburg shift their focus to tonight’s championship showdown with Mount Dora Christian Academy (No. 1 seed), set for 7 p.m. The Bulldogs have been dominant all season and will present a tough challenge, but FA-Leesburg enters with momentum—and a bit of magic—on their side.

As the Eagles look to cap off their Cinderella run, all eyes will be on whether another unforgettable chapter can be written in what has already become a legendary postseason for First Academy-Leesburg.