Agape Christian of Camas adding 8-man football

Agape Christian Academy is taking a major step forward this fall by launching its first-ever high school football program.

The Camas-based K-12 school, located at 717 S.E. Everett St. near Camas High School, will compete in 8-man football beginning in 2026 under head coach Nick Mancillas, the school’s athletic director and a campus principal.

Entering its third year as a high school, Agape Christian has served Clark County families for more than two decades. With enrollment rising and interest growing from students, school leaders say ACA is well-positioned to add football to its basketball, golf, track and field and volleyball offerings.

“It seemed like great timing,” Mancillas said, “and a good idea with the backing of the families.”

Mancillas previously was King’s Way Christian’s head football coach from spring 2021 through the 2022 season. When Agape Christian launched its high school in fall 2023, he stepped away to focus on helping ACA establish and grow its athletic programs.

Agape Christian’s current high school enrollment is 53 with projections climbing to 65 next school year, Mancillas said.

Mancillas first expected ACA to be five or six years away from launching a football program. However, interest grew once students expressed a desire to play for their own school.

Since 2023, ACA partnered with Seton Catholic to provide students an opportunity to play football. That included Mancillas’ son, Ryan, a current high school junior, who played receiver and safety for Seton Catholic.

Recently, following a chapel service, Nick Mancillas gathered ACA students from seventh grade through junior year to share his vision — complete with uniforms already purchased.

“I laid those on chairs with the numbers showing and kind of painted this picture,” he said. “We just need bodies to fill — and grab a number.”

Approximately two dozen students have expressed interest to participate in the program’s inaugural season.

The Lions will compete in navy blue, white, and Vegas gold. While a home venue hasn’t been finalized, Mancillas said the school is working with local districts and partners, including the Washougal School District, to secure a home field.

The Columbia Valley League is the area 8-man league with schools like Naselle and Washington School for the Deaf.

“We are super excited,” Mancillas said. “I’m looking forward to it all — to the challenge and just the excitement of getting the kids out there.”