Shorthanded Eagles Drop Decision at Trinity in Region Action

A match up that was already difficult became even more of an uphill battle as four starters missed the game Friday night at Trinity. Christian Snipes and Broderick Williams on offense and Bryson Dabney and TJ Merritt on defense. The Eagles could have phoned it in amidst the circumstances they faced, but to their credit fought all the way to the end in a 41-19 loss to the Wildcats.

The weather was predicted to be meddlesome all night, but besides a lightning delay before the game started, the weather held off and not a drop of rain fell during the game. Neither team scored in the first period as both defenses dominated. ACA’s first two drives started inside their own 10-yard line which made play calling very difficult. The Eagles longest play of the quarter was an eight-yard run by AC Walters.

Trinity scored on the first play of the second quarter for the night’s initial points. Alabama Christian tried to answer as Teilan Long returned the ensuing kickoff 37 yards into Wildcat territory. ACA drove to the Trinity 26, but a bad snap sailed over the head of David Ortiz-Ramirez on second down which cost the offense 19 yards. AC Walters was intercepted two plays later to end the drive. The Wildcats struck quickly with a 4-play, 90-yard drive to extend the lead to 13-0 with 6:12 left in the half. For the fourth straight game ACA allowed a late first half score as Trinity scored with just 57.4 seconds left and took a 21-0 lead into the half.

The second half started in good fashion as David Ortiz-Ramirez returned the kick 23 yards to start the drive on the ACA 40-yard line and Teilan Long ran a reverse 19 yards down to the Wildcat 41-yard line on the first offensive snap. Unfortunately, the drive stalled and ACA punted away to Trinity. The Wildcats scored on the next play on a 74-yard pass play for a 28-0 lead. The offense finally put together a drive and marched 65 yards in eight plays for a score. The pass was mixed in more often and was effective. On 4th and goal from the one AC Walters used the jump pass to Jackson Burton to cut the lead to 6-28. The score breathed some life into the team as the defense stopped the home team in three plays to force a punt. A terrible snap on the punt and a personal foul against the Wildcats gave the Eagles the ball on the Trinity 26-yard line. The period ended with ACA back on the one poised to score.

On the first play of the final quarter, AC Walters had a one-yard plunge to make the score 12-28. Trinity responded with a score to stretch the lead back to 34-12 with 9:03 left. The Wildcats got the ball back again and methodically drove the field to score again with just 1:15 left in the game. ACA took over on its own 32-yard line on its next possession. Ethan Dabney produced the highlight of the night as he broke out of the pack and raced down the right sideline for a 68-yard touchdown for the Eagles. Jordan Sanders helped get the ball right back as ACA recovered the onside kick. On the next play, a frustrated Wildcat defender had a dirty, gutless play that cost his team 15 yards and got him immediately pulled from the game by his coaches. The white hat pulled the team together before the next snap to make sure there were no more cheap shots thrown. ACA ran one more play and the game was over.

Jackson Burton led the team with 11 tackles followed by Jordan Sanders with eight and Teilan Long with six. AC Walters finished the night completing six of nine passes for 75 yards and a touchdown and also had a rushing touchdown. Ethan Dabney finished with three carries for 75 yards and a score to finish as the team's leading rusher.

Next week, Alabama Christian is back at home as they face PCA for Homecoming.

ACA Dominates Northside Methodist in Region Action

After a disappointing result the previous week against Goshen, Northside Methodist was the tonic to cure the Eagles ailments. ACA controlled the game from the outset in a crushing 56-7 defeat of the home standing Knights. The whole organization deserved congratulations for the bounce back win. The players had a good week of practice and both coordinators called great games for their respective units.

Jackson Burton-Elahiyan leaves the Northside defensive back helpless.

The offense was on a mission to feature the pass on Thursday night and the first series was just a taste of the success Christian Snipes would have through the air. ACA took the opening kickoff and marched 68 yards in 10 plays while taking almost half of the quarter. Snipes completed all seven passes on the drive that ended with Jackson Burton-Elahiyan “Mossing” a defensive back for the touchdown. Northside picked up a first down on their first possession, but Mekhi Gardner and Micah Merritt combined on a third down tackle to make sure they didn’t get a second one. The second series for Alabama Christian didn’t appear to be anything special as they faced a 3rd and 9 from their own 28-yard line, but looks can be deceiving. Snipes uncorked a bomb down the right sideline to a streaking AC Walters for a 72-yard bolt of lightning and a 14-0 lead with just 26 seconds left in the first period. What we didn’t know at the time is that this would be the first of many lightning strikes.

The offense prepares for the snap on the first drive of the game.

On the first play of the second quarter, Jaydon McElrath took the ball from the Northside Methodist running back and raced 30 yards for a score and a three touchdown lead. Micah Merritt’s sack on the next Knight drive forced a punt and gave the ball back to the quick strike ACA offense. On the second play of the drive, Christian Snipes went deep again and connected with David Ortiz-Ramirez for a 60-yard score and a 28-0 advantage with 9:32 left in the half. With such a large deficit the Knight offense tried to pass the ball, but had no success and took very little time off the clock as well. Alabama Christian stretched the lead to 35-0 on an 18-yard touchdown reception by Bryant Swindle.

Bryson Dabney makes an open field tackle.

The Eagles got the ball back with 3:58 left in the second and once again struck quickly. It took just 50 seconds to make it 42-0 as Christian Snipes and David Ortiz-Ramirez hooked up again on a 71-yard bomb. Northside Methodist finally found some success and scored on a short pass that turned into a 56-yard score. With 51 seconds left in the half, it looked as if the Knights had slowed the momentum of the visitors. Ortiz-Ramirez made any positive vibes disappear as he raced 80 yards for another touchdown to end the scoring in the half. ACA led 49-7 at the break.

AC Walters outraces the defense to the end zone.

Alabama Christian started to substitute freely in the second half and the Knights moved the ball to the ACA side of the field. However, TJ Merritt intercepted a pressured quarterback and raced 70 yards for the second defensive touchdown of the night. The Eagles continued to substitute heavily and many young players gained valuable experience in the impressive win.

David Ortiz-Ramirez end the first half in style.

Although he did not play in the second half, Christian Snipes had one of the best halves by a quarterback in program history as he finished 14 of 17 for 292 yards and five touchdowns. David Ortiz-Ramirez became the first back with over 100 yards rushing and receiving in the same game as he finished with 117 and 144, respectively. Jackson Burton led all receivers with five receptions for 43 yards while Bryant Swindle had 3 catches for 40 yards and AC Walters had 2 catches for 65 yards. All four receivers who caught a pass had touchdown receptions. On defense, Mekhi Gardner and Micah Merritt led the way with seven tackles each while three Eagles, Jordan Sanders, Cam Sutton, and Bryson Dabney, each had four tackles.

Next week, ACA travels across town to visit Trinity in an important Region game.

Eagles Beaten Soundly by Goshen

Alabama Christian (1-1) intentionally scheduled tough non-Region games to start the season. Both games could have gone either way, so it was not a surprise that the Eagles lost to Goshen on Friday night. The part that was surprising was the margin of defeat for the visiting team in a 40-7 lopsided loss.

David Ortiz-Ramirez runs past the defense on the longest play of the night.

The game started innocently enough as the ACA defense produced a three and out to force a punt. The sequence was highlighted by a Jaydon McElrath third down sack. On Alabama Christian’s second offensive play, David Ortiz-Ramirez took a pop pass from Christian Snipes and raced around the left end for 74 yards and an apparent score, but a holding penalty brought it back. The infraction stopped any momentum and the offense punted two plays later. Goshen scored on its second possession as they converted a 3rd and 18 into a 35-yard touchdown pass for a 7-0 lead with 4:33 left in the first. ACA moved the ball on its second possession for one of its best drives of the night. Ortiz-Ramirez had another huge play as he turned a short pass into a 50-yard gain to the Goshen seven yard line. Unfortunately, ACA was unable to punch it in as Snipes ran up the middle four plays in a row to no avail. The first period ended with Goshen backed up in their own territory, but leading 7-0.

The defense readies for the next Goshen snap.

Goshen took the ball in the second and marched 98 yards in eight plays while eating up over five minutes of clock to take a 14-0 lead. The score came on another explosive play, a 40-yard run. The Eagles avoided disaster as they recovered their own fumble on the ensuing kickoff. After converting one first down, ACA faced a 4th and 6 at their own 48-yard line. As they lined up to go for it, Goshen called timeout to make sure they were in the correct alignment. As the Eagles came back out they lined up to punt as it looked like the extra time to think about it had changed the coaches minds. However, the fake was on and AC Walters hit Jackson Burton-Elahiyan for a 34-yard gain to keep the drive alive. Three plays later, another holding penalty brought back a touchdown for the visitors, but this time the Eagles would overcome. On the next play Christian Snipes hit Walters down the middle for a 16-yard touchdown and ACA was on the board trailing, 7-14. The Eagles liked where they were at this point, only down seven with just 2:10 left in the half and they would get the ball to start the second half. Like last week, the defense was unable to keep its opponent off the board late in the first half. Goshen drove 36 yards and kicked a 38-yard field goal with just five seconds left for a 17-7 lead at the intermission.

The defense sacks the quarterback.

The mindset coming into the third period had to be to drive the length of the field and score to cut the margin to three and get back in the game. The mind might have been willing, but the execution was not there. The offense was flagged for a holding penalty on the first play of the half. To make matters worse, AC Walters left the game with an injury after a reception on the next play. The drive ended with a blocked punt and the wind was starting to leave the sails. It took Goshen one play to score to extend the lead to 23-7. Cam Sutton blocked the extra point for one of the few second half highlights. After another Alabama Christian punt, the home standing Eagles scored again on an eight-play, 43-yard drive for a 30-7 lead. After a third straight ACA three and out, Goshen looked to finish the game strong as the game entered the final period.

An ACA defender takes on the block.

Goshen’s offense slowed it down and ran the clock as they continued to pound away at the ACA defense. As they extended the lead to 37-7, the home team took over six minutes off the clock. On the next kickoff, the Goshen kicker hit a line drive right at an unsuspecting up-man. The ball caromed off the ACA player right back to Goshen who recovered the accidental onsides kick. Once again, Goshen took its time and drove to the ACA 11-yard line where they kicked a 28-yard field goal for the last score of the night. Alabama Christian’s last possession of the half was just like the other three as they turned the ball back over to Goshen after four plays. In the second half, the Eagle offense mustered just 10 yards on 13 plays. Goshen ran the final 2:35 off the clock and walked away with a convincing 40-7 victory.

The offense lines up for the next play.

Micah Merritt led the defense with nine tackles while three players, Mekhi Gardner, TJ Merritt, and Bryson Dabney, each had seven tackles. Jaydon McElrath, Cooper Knapp, Ty’Darius Moore, and Levi Summers were all in on sacks on the night. Offensively, Christian Snipes finished with 52 yards rushing on 10 carries and threw for 70 yards on three completions and a touchdown. AC Walters had two catches for 20 yards and a score. David Ortiz-Ramirez had one catch for 50 yards while Jackson Burton-Elahiyan’s lone catch covered 34 yards.

Region play starts next week as ACA travels to Dothan on Thursday night to play Northside Methodist.

Football's 50th Season Starts with a Victory

The 50th edition of Alabama Christian football started in grand fashion with a thrilling 30-26 defeat of Escambia County. The program’s first coach, Mike Lusk and a few of his players from the first team were the honorary captains in the season opener. At times the outcome looked bleak, but the Blue Devils left the door open time and again as they committed 19 penalties on the night. In the end, the Eagles found a way as a young defense made stops at the end of the game when it was needed most.

The honorary captains are introduced before the game.

The start of the game couldn’t have been better for the home team. After David Ortiz-Ramirez returned the opening kickoff 21 yards to the Eagle 45-yard line, the offense put together a 10-play drive for the first points of the game. On 3rd and goal from the two-yard line, ACA lost two yards and looked ready to take the sure points with a 21-yard field goal attempt. Instead, the snap went directly to Christian Snipes who powered in with a four-yard touchdown. It worked so well, they did it again on the extra point and took an 8-0 lead. Little did anyone know, the Eagles would not score again until the fourth quarter. After giving up a first down, the defense stopped the first Blue Devil drive aided by a Jaydon McElrath sack. The first period ended with ACA on the march at their opponent’s 35-yard line with its second drive of the game.

Christian Snipes scrambles for a first down.

Unfortunately, on the second play of the quarter Escambia County intercepted a pass and returned it to the ACA 48-yard line. The defense looked to be off the field again, but a fourth down roughing the passer call kept the Blue Devil drive alive. The visitors drove all the way to the ACA 4-yard line, but a fourth down incomplete pass stopped the drive with 6:32 left in the half. The teams traded punts over the next three possessions and it looked as if the score would still be 8-0 as Escambia took the ball on their own 25-yard line with 1:06 left in the half. Two straight false start penalties put them 85 yards away from the end zone. In two plays, it all changed. First, the Blue Devils raced around the right side for a 50-yard gain followed by a 35-yard jaunt to the end zone. ACA went to the locker room at the half with an 8-6 lead, but Escambia County had to be feeling good about the close score.

Jaydon McElrath makes a tackle in the open field.

The Blue Devils were not fooled by the pooch kick to start the second half as they returned it to the Eagle 25-yard line. Despite the great field position, Jackson Burton and TJ Merritt combined on a fourth down stop to turn Escambia County away. ACA did nothing with their first drive of the half and inexplicably tried a fake punt at their own 13-yard line. The punter must have thought he saw something, but nothing was there and the Blue Devils took over deep in ACA territory for the second drive in a row. The defense could not hold the visitors out this time and the Blue Devils took a 12-8 lead with 7:42 left in the third. ACA missed a 37-yard field goal attempt on its next drive and the third quarter ended with Escambia County facing a 1st and 25 after a personal foul. Who knew what was in store heading into the final period?

The defense looks ready to be bring some pressure.

Seemingly backed up and in a bad spot, the Blue Devils scored on the first play of the quarter on a 72-yard pass play to extend the lead to 20-8. The Eagles were not in full panic mode just yet, but there was an uneasiness in the crowd as the Eagles were down two scores. The spark the team had been lacking was provided by David Ortiz-Ramirez as he returned the ensuing kickoff 74 yards to the 19-yard line. It was the only time the Blue Devils kicked deep all night. The ball got over the heads of the returners, but once #21 scooped it up, he turned on the burners. ACA cashed in the excellent field position with a five-play scoring drive to cut the score to 15-20. More adventure on the next kickoff as the Escambia County returner first thought about fielding the kick, then decided to let it roll into the end zone. The only problem was, the ball stopped at the two-yard line. As he stood there staring at the ball it looked as if the Eagles were going to get a gift from its opponent. At the last instance, the returner realized what was happening and jumped on the ball. The good news was he didn’t turn the ball over, the bad news was the drive would start at their own two. The defense stiffened and forced a punt from the one-yard line. The kicking game was a struggle for the Blue Devils and the Eagles took advantage at just the right time. Jackson Burton blocked the punt and TJ Merritt picked the ball up and stepped into the end zone for the score. Just like that, ACA led 23-20 with 8:47 left in the game.

TJ Merritt celebrates with teammates after a special teams touchdown.

Escambia County answered with an eight-play drive to retake the lead, 26-23. The score came on a 38-yard run around the right end. With plenty of time, ACA could run their regular offense and not feel hurried. Two David Ortiz-Ramirez runs moved the team to their own 49-yard line. On 2nd and 11, Christian Snipes dropped back to pass and hit Bryant Swindle on a 51-yard scoring play to vault the Eagles back into the lead, 30-26. On the play, Snipes delivered a pump fake that fooled the Blue Devil defensive back badly and proceeded to loft a beautiful pass for the score. Swindle was so wide open when he caught the ball, it looked like social distancing was being practiced on the play. A well designed and executed play at just the right time. With 4:41 still left in the game, the defense would be called on once again. Tyson Summers put the ball in the end zone to force the Devils to start at their own 20. The defense stopped them in four plays and gave the ball back to the offense to close it out. ACA needed just one first down to take all of the time off the clock. Snipes picked it up on a 4th and 1 to ice the game. There is always work to be done to get better and although Friday’s game wasn’t perfect, 1-0 sounds good.

Bryant Swindle races to the end zone for the go ahead score.

Christian Snipes finished the day with 86 yards passing, 65 yards rushing, and accounted for three touchdowns. David Ortiz-Ramirez had 62 yards on 15 carries and added 117 yards in kickoff returns. AC Walters had four catches for 24 yards while Bryant Swindle finished with two catches for 63 yards and a touchdown. Mekhi Gardner led the team with nine tackles while Levi Summers added seven. Jaydon McElrath had six tackles with two sacks followed by Jackson Burton with five tackles and a blocked punt and Micah Merritt with five tackles and a sack.

Alabama Christian travels to Goshen next week in its next contest.

Lady Eagles Split Tri-Match to Open Season

The 2024 volleyball season opened on Thursday as Alabama Christian visited St James to take on the host Trojans and 7A Prattville. The Eagles defeated the Lions (25-20, 25-22) in two straight, but dropped the decision to the Lady Trojans (25-27, 15-25).

A’Kirra McElveen led the team 14 kills and eight digs on the day. Campbell Hammett had six kills and eight digs while Morgan Bond added five kills. Kaylee Rudolph had a team best 24 assists and two aces. Addison Smith tied for team high in digs with eight.

Alabama Christian Advances to State

There was a time in Montgomery, AL that death, taxes, and ACA (15-19) advancing to State in softball were guarantees. However, since Chris Goodman’s retirement in 2021, the Eagles have been unable to advance past Regionals, until Thursday. After two years of disappointment an unknown coach, Megan Whisenant, was given the reins of the program. There were many questions heading into the season with a new coach and players who jumped ship while times were low. Although it hasn’t always been pretty this year, this team has fought and scratched and improved from previous seasons. All the hard work and dedication to the school and the program paid off with a 9-8 defeat of Beulah to keep the season alive.

The first game of the day was the winner bracket finals against in-town rival, St James. In a curious move, the Eagles started Maddie Owens in the circle to maybe throw the timing off against the Trojans or maybe just save arms for a possible second game. Whatever the thinking, Owens was ineffective and gave up eight runs in the first after ACA had scratched across a run in the top half. Maddie Traywick came in and pitched the rest of the way as Alabama Christian actually outscored its opponent 5-3 the rest of the way. Lily Sconyers and Traywick led the offense with two hits apiece in the 11-6 defeat. Traywick went yard for the third game in a row and joined McKinzie Kilpatrick as the only players in program history to hit at least 10 homers in a season.

After the loss to St James the Eagles sat and waited for the winner of Beulah and Randolph County. Once the opponent was decided, ACA set its sights on State with a match up against Beulah. The Bobcats struck quickly with two in the top of the first for an early lead. In the second, ACA got on the board with four runs. Campbell Hammett and Izzy Warrick delivered run scoring hits to highlight the frame. Beulah responded immediately with four of their own in the third. The first two batters reached and were sent home from a three-run homer to take the lead. The Bobcats added another for a 6-4 lead. The defense gave one back to ACA as Annabelle Pugh scored from first after an outfield error to cut the deficit to a single run.

Neither team scored over the next two innings and ACA still trailed as they entered the bottom of the sixth. With one out, Chloe Childs and Campbell Hammett hit back to back singles to set the table for Izzy Warrick. On a 2-2 pitch, Warrick doubled to center to give ACA the lead. The clutch hit must have shaken the Bobcats because the next two batters reached on errors which plated two more runs for the Eagles. Heading to the seventh the Eagles led by three and were looking to close out the contest. However, a two-out, two-run single certainly put the outcome in doubt. Warrick was unfazed and struck out the next batter on three pitches to send ACA back to State, where they belong.

Izzy Warrick picked up the win in the circle with 11 punch outs over seven innings and starred at the plate with a 2 for 4 performance with a double, two runs scored, and the two game winning RBIs. Annabelle Pugh and Campbell Hammett wach scored two runs as well.

ACA Wins Both Games on Day One of Regionals

Alabama Christian (14-18) cruised in the first game of the day against Childersburg with a 15-4 run-rule victory. Game two was a ten inning instant classic as Maddie Traywick walked it off with a two-run bomb for a 7-5 defeat of Randolph County. The two victories put the Lady Eagles in the winner’s bracket final against St James.

Game one was much closer than the final score indicated, but an eleven run explosion in the fifth finished the Tigers from Childersburg. ACA scored one in the first for an early lead as, offensive catalyst, Izzy Warrick singled and came around and scored on a Maddie Traywick sac fly. Traywick was dominant in the circle as she retired the first nine batters she faced. In the third, Traywick struck with a solo blast to center field and the offense posted two more runs for a 4-0 lead after three.

Childersburg finally scratched in the fourth as they scored on an infield error to cut the score to 4-1. ACA then erased any hope for the Tigers as they scored eleven in the top of the fifth. Lily Sconyers drove in the first run followed by the big blow of the frame as Elizabeth Hall hit a three-run homer to left for an 8-0 cushion. The next six runs were courtesy of the Childersburg defense as they committed four errors. The last run of the game was driven in by Bentley Lamberth for a 15-1 advantage. Childersburg scored three in the bottom half, but the game still ended due to the mercy rule.

Five batters, Izzy Warrick, Maddie Traywick, Elizabeth Hall, Bentley Lamberth, and Anna Gleason, each delivered two hits to lead the offense. Traywick and Hall each homered as Hall led the team with three RBIs and three runs scored. Traywick picked up the win with eight strikeouts over five innings.

Game two saw ACA and Randolph County clash as both teams won their first game. of the day Neither team scored in the first two frames as Izzy Warrick and her countepart held the offenses scoreless. The Eagles scored three in the third without the benefit of a hit. A walk, two errors, and a sacrfice plated three runs for a 3-0 lead. Randolph County responded with a run in the fourth and four more in the fifth to take a 5-3 lead. Campbell Hammett hit a little league homer as she reached on error and scored on a second error to cut the deficit to one run. ACA entered the seventh still trailing by one, but a one-out single from Warrick got things started. After the junior stole second, the next batter popped out to leave the Eagles with just one more chance. Thankfully, it was all they needed. Anna Prempramot singled on a 1-0 pitch to left to tie the game and force extras.

Izzy Warrick continued to mow down the Tiger hitters as she set down the opponent 1-2-3 in the eighth. AG Blackburn singled in the bottom half, but the good guys could not drive her home. Randolph County’s first two batters reached in the ninth, but a double play on a line drive to center fielder Lily Sconyers stopped the Tigers momentum. Chloe Childs led off the ninth with a single, but three ground outs in a row ended the frame. In the tenth, the Tigers put two runners on base with one out, but were unable to score off Warrick and the Eagle defense. In the bottom half, Anna Prempramot led off with a single to left. The next batter, Maddie Traywick, sent a 1-0 pitch into the night for a dramatic 7-5 marathon win.

Izzy Warrick earned the win in the circle as she pitched all ten innings and threw 154 pitches in the process. The ten innings pitched ties for the second most ever thrown in a single game. AG Blackburn’s 3 for 4 performance led the offense while Warrick and Anna Prempramot each delivered two hits. Warrick and Campbell Hammett each scored two runs while Maddie Traywick’s two huge RBIs led the squad.

ACA Extends Regional Streak with Win Over Trinity

Alabama Christian has played fast pitch softball full-time since 1996 and only COVID in 2020 has been able to keep them from reaching Regionals. This season was no different as the Lady Eagles defeated Trinity 10-0 in six innings on Tuesday to clinch a Regional berth.

On day one of the Area tournament, ACA beat the Wildcats 9-7 as they built a big lead and held on at the end for the two-run victory. The Eagles then lost a pitcher’s duel to St James 1-0 as Izzy Warrick starred in the circle in the low scoring affair.

Day two matched ACA and Trinity for the right to advance to Regionals. The Eagles sent Izzy Warrick to the circle for the win or go home contest. After a lightning delay in the top of the first, the Lady Eagles got down to business and scored one in the first on an Anna Gleason ground out for a 1-0 lead. In the second, back to back RBI doubles by Warrick and Lily Sconyers increased the lead to 4-0 and Gleason drove in her second run of the day to make it 5-0. Warrick really only needed one run, but a five-run cushion seemed insurmountable for the Wildcat offense.

In the third, Izzy Warrick tripled in two and scored herself on a bases loaded walk to stretch the lead to 8-0. Neither team scored over the next two frames and the margin remained at eight runs going to the Eagle’s half of the inning. Campbell Hammett doubled in the ninth run and Annabelle Pugh scored the tenth on a wild pitch to end it.

Izzy Warrick, Lily Sconyers, and Campbell Hammett each had two hits to lead the team at the plate. Warrick and Anna Gleason both drove in three runs. Warrick pitched all six innings to earn the win with six strikeouts.

In the championship game, ACA fell to St James 0-7 and will be the number two seed from our Area at Regionals.

Lady Eagles Close Regular Season with Doubleheader Sweep

ACA (10-16) went to Lagoon on Monday and took both ends of a doubleheader against JAG, formerly Jeff Davis. Izzy Warrick no-hit the home team in the first game as she struck out 12 and Maddie Traywick homered twice to spark the Eagles. In game two, Traywick homered again and JAG wanted nothing to do with her as they intentionally walked her twice later in the game. Both games ended early via run-rule as the two teams played eight innings on the evening.

Game One

After an Izzy Warrick triple to start, Maddie Traywick put JAG on notice as she homered to left in the first inning for a 3-0 lead. The home team continued to be generous as ACA scored five more times in the frame, but only one was driven in on an Eagle hit as Chloe Childs singled in Anna Gleason. After a long top of the inning in which twelve batters came to the plate, starting pitcher Warrick only allowed three batters as she set her opponent down in order.

Maddie Traywick hit another two-run shot to center in the third to extend ACA’s lead to 11-0. Three consecutive hits scored two more runs and Alabama Christian led 13-0 after three. JAG scored its only run in the fourth aided by two Eagle errors. ACA added one in the fifth and Izzy Warrick completed the no-no by striking out the side

Chloe Child led the team with three hits in four at-bats with two RBIs and Maddie Traywick finished 2 for 4 with two homers and four runs driven in. Izzy Warrick struck out 12 in five innings in her fourth career no-hitter.

Game Two

The two teams played three frames in the nightcap as ACA cruised to an 11-2 win. For the third time, Maddie Traywick hit a two-run homer for two of the team’s four first inning runs. JAG’s first hitter singled to finally scratch against ACA pitching. The Eagles added five more in the second highlighted by a Lily Sconyers’ single scoring Izzy Warrick. JAG scored twice in the second for their only runs. The Lady Eagles added two in the third for the final tally of 11-2.

Lily Sconyers led the offense with a 2 for 3 performance with two RBIs. Maddie Traywick and Anna Gleason both drove in two runs. Traywick picked up the win in the circle with five strikeouts over three innings.

Eagles Cruise Past MA on Senior Night

Alabama Christian finished Area play with back to back wins over MA on Wednesday and Thursday. ACA secured the number two seed for the Area tournament with 13-1 and 8-0 wins over the other Eagles. Izzy Warrick and Maddie Traywick overwhelmed MA batters in both games as they combined for 21 punch outs.

in game one, Warrick allowed just one hit while she struck out 11 batters over seven innings. ACA also took advantage of an astounding twelve MA errors. Lily Sconyers started the fun with a sac fly in the first for a 1-0 lead. The visitors tacked on two more in the frame to lead 3-0 after one. MA scored one in the bottom half, but that was all Warrick allowed. Two more runs in the second extended the lead to 5-1. In the fourth, Warrick and Sconyers both doubled in consecutive at bats to stretch the score to 7-1. ACA finished off MA with five runs in the sixth to run rule its opponent 13-1.

Check out the ball at the top of the picture. It’s gone!!

Izzy Warrick and Lily Sconyers both led the offense with two hits apiece as Sconyers drove in three runs and Warrick scored three runs. Maddie Traywick, Elizabeth Hall, and Sam Burgess each scored two runs.

The seniors were celebrated before game two and Maddie Traywick took her turn to dominate the visitors. The junior struck out ten over seven innings and allowed just one hit. Izzy Warrick and Lily Sconyers carried the offense as they drove in seven of the team’s eight runs. up 1-0 in the second, Warrick sparked the team as she hit a solo shot over the left field fence for a 2-0 advantage. In the fourth, Warrick was at it again as she cleared the bases with a double to center for a 5-0 lead. Sconyers drove her teammate in with a single and a 6-0 lead. ACA added two more late for the final 8-0 margin. Although the game went the distance, the home standing Eagles were always in control.

Izzy Warrick finished the game 2 for 3 with four runs driven in and four runs scored. Sconyers drove in three as AG Blackburn drove in the other run.

ACA Sweeps Season Series Against Trinity

Alabama Christian (5-14) evened its Area record to 2-2 with a 10-1 defeat of Trinity. The game was highlighted by Izzy Warrick who broke the career stolen bases record in program history. ACA scored the first seven runs of the game and was in control most of the way.

In the circle, Izzy Warrick set down Trinity 1-2-3 in the first inning and then scored the game’s first run as Lily Sconyers singled her in for a 1-0 lead. In the third the Eagles scored four runs to stretch the lead to 5-0. Maddie Traywick and Elizabeth Hall both delivered run scoring hits in the frame. ACA extended the lead to 7-0 in the fourth as Campbell Hammett and Warrick both scored.

Trinity produced two of their three hits for the game in the sixth inning to finally get on the board. With a runner on third, Warrick worked out of it with a ground out to third baseman Anna Gleason. To make sure the Wildcats did not keep any momentum, ACA answered with three runs in the bottom half. Anna Prempramot drove in Warrick and Annabelle Pugh knocked in two more for a commanding 10-1 lead. The game fittingly ended with a ground out to Warrick as she shut the door on the visitors.

Maddie Traywick led the offense with three hits in four at bats with a double and one RBI. Izzy Warrick went 2 for 2 with two walks, five stolen bases, and four runs scored while Elizabeth Hall finished 2 for 4 with a run driven in. Warrick was dominant in the circle with 13 strikeouts over seven innings.

ACA will play MA on Wednesday and Thursday to close Area play.

ACA Splits Doubleheader with LAMP on Senior Night

Senior night started in the worse way possible, but Landon Nelson’s dominant performance in game two salvaged the night. ACA (10-15) honored the team’s three seniors, Grant Cornette, Zander Costanza, and Landon Nelson.

LAMP jumped all over the Eagle starter in game one with four runs in the first inning and one more in the second before the first of three relievers came in. The pitchers all played on the JV team during the year and made their varsity mound debuts in the game. Alex Heilman, who had played in a few varsity games earlier in the season was the first reliever. Cade Brannen and Beau Gainey both made their first appearance in a varsity game as the second and third relievers used. LAMP would eventually score eighteen and runs and have just as many hits in an 18-2 victory. The nightmare game ended in fitting fashion as Jackson McGuire lined into a triple play. Although there were no outs, both runners took off like there were two outs and were tagged out easily.

Jackson McGuire and Bryson Dabney were the bright spots offensively as McGuire finished 2 for 4 and Dabney was 1 for 2 with two runs scored.

The home team had a decision to make before game two, they could continue to take a beating or show some fight. Landon Nelson put the team on his back and dominated on the mound with a complete game effort and a new career high 14 strikeouts in a 5-1 triumph.

Over the first two innings both teams scored a run without the benefit of a hit as the rain came down. Jackson Mcguire had the game’s first hit with a two-out single in the third. ACA broke the game open in the fifth as the home team loaded the bases with one out. McGuire was hit by a pitch for a 2-1 lead. Landon Nelson hit a sac fly to center for a 3-1 lead and Jackson Burton hit a bloop single to shallow right for a 4-1 advantage. Teilan Long scored an insurance run in the sixth as he stole third and came home on an errant throw. In the seventh, Nelson struck out the first two LAMP batters and the last out was a pop-up to the senior to end it.

Landon Nelson drove in two to lead the team as Mac Moorer scored two runs for top honors. Four players, Jackson Burton, Teilan Long, Jackson McGuire, and Moorer, each had a single for the team’s only hits.

Alabama Christian Beats Trinity in Area Road Win

After dropping the Area opener to St James, ACA (4-10) bounced back with an 11-5 triumph at Trinity. The Lady Eagles scored three runs in the top of the first and never trailed in the game. Izzy Warrick pitched a complete game to earn the win in the circle.

After Izzy Warrick scored on a passed ball, Lily Sconyers drove in two with a single to center for a 3-0 lead in the first. Trinity scored two in the third to keep the game close, until the fifth inning. Anna Gleason and Campbell Hammett both had run scoring hits to increase the lead to 6-2. The Wildcats answered with a homer to cut the lead to 6-4 after five.

ACA scored four in the sixth as Maddie Traywick and Campbell Hammett both drove in runs and two more scored compliments of the Trinity defense. Chloe Childs drove in the final run with a bunt single for an 11-4 lead. Trinity scored one in the home half of the seventh, but could get no closer.

Five batters, AG Blackburn, Lily Sconyers, Maddie Traywick, Anna Gleason, and Campbell Hammett, each delivered two hits to lead the offense. Sconyers and Hammett both drove in two runs while Blackburn, Sconyers, Traywick, and Gleason each scored two runs.

ACA will play this weekend in a tournament in Pike Road.

Eagles Drop Important Area Game to St James

To look at the 12-4 final score against St James on Thursday, you would think the Trojans blew ACA (9-12) out in the first game of the Area series, but final scores can be deceiving, The Eagles trailed by just two runs after six innings and had multiple chances during the game to score and overtake its opponent.

The wind was swirling prior to first pitch and played a role on the first ball put into play. The Trojans benefited from the wind with a bloop double to right to start. St James moved the runner over and drove him home with a ground out for a 1-0 lead. Alabama Christian had a golden chance to respond in the bottom half. ACA loaded the bases with no outs, but the next three batters failed to put the ball in play and the score stayed 1-0. The Trojans were back at it in the third as back to back errors loaded the bases. St James plated four runs in the inning to take a commanding 5-0 lead. In the fifth the visitors added a sixth run and seemed poised for an easy victory.

In the bottom of the fifth, Alabama Christian finally scored thanks to Trojan miscues. Levi Summers started the rally with a lead off single followed by a one-out knock from Mac Moorer. Jackson Mcguire walked to load the bases once again for the Eagles. Summers scored on a passed ball for the first run and Moorer and McGuire scored after an infield error to cut the lead to 6-3. In the sixth, Teilan Long scored after he stole third and came home on an error by the third baseman to cut the lead to two runs. Unfortunately for ACA, they could not keep the game close in the seventh to give themselves a chance. St James scored six in the frame to blow it open, 12-4. In the home team’s final chance, the first two batters reached, but like the rest of the game, the next three batters were retired in order to end the game.

Landon Nelson pitched his heart out, but got the loss as he gave up seven earned runs with four strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings. Mac Moorer had half of the team’s hits as he finished 2 for 4 with a run scored. Jackson McGuire and Levi Summers produced the other two hits. Nelson drove in two runs for top honors.

Alabama Christian continues the Area series against St James on Friday in a must-win situation.

ACA Records Much Needed Victory Over LAMP

Alabama Christian (3-10) had an enjoyable day at the ball field with a 14-2 demolition of LAMP. Maddies Traywick and Owens combined for a no-hitter despite the defense allowing two runs. The feat kept a streak alive of throwing at least one no-hitter every year since 1996 except for the COVID season of 2020.

LAMP scored twice in the first inning due to two ACA errors to take an early 2-0 lead. The Eagles answered quickly as the first seven batters in the lineup reached safely. AG Blackburn started the scoring for the home team with a two-run triple down the left field line, plating Izzy Warrick and Annabelle Pugh. LAMP gave two back as ACA took the lead 4-2 on consecutive miscues. Campbell Hammett made it 5-2 with a line drive single to left and Warrick wrapped up the scoring with a two-run single to left. Maddie Traywick struck out two in the second and brought Alabama Christian’s offense back to the plate quickly. ACA extended the lead to 9-2 in the second.

LAMP led off the third with a walk, but Annabelle Pugh took care of the base runner as she tried to steal second. The next two batters were retired in order. Izzy Warrick continued to drive in runners as she hit another two-run single in the third for an 11-2 lead. The junior continued to put pressure on the Golden Tiger defense as she stole third and scored the team’s twelfth run after an error trying to throw her out. Maddie Traywick made it 13-2 with an RBI single to left for the last run of the third. Traywick struck out the side in the fourth to continue the no-hitter. ACA’s last run was plated by Warrick who knocked in Sydney Jones with a bloop single by the second baseman. Maddie Owens pitched the fifth and final inning and faced the minimum of three batters.

Izzy Warrick led the squad with three hits and drove in five runs with two runs scored. Lily Sconyers and Campbell Hammett both had two hits while Sconyers scored three runs. Maddie Traywick earned the win in the circle with nine strikeouts in four innings.

Eagles Cruise to Easy Victory

Alabama Christian (9-11) hosted Percy Julian, formerly known as Lee, on Monday and posted the team’s ninth win of the year. The home team scored ten in the first and the game was never really competitive in the 15-1 blowout. Despite the lopsided score, the Eagles only outhit their opponent four to three.

Jackson Burton got the surprise start and set down the visitors in order in the first. In the bottom half, nine of the first ten batters reached, including Mac Moorer reaching twice in the span. Only three of the ten runs were scored by hits as the other seven were scored in a variety of ways. Four runs scored on wild pitches, two from a throwing error on the catcher, and one from a bases loaded walk. Burton ran out of gas in the second and left the mound with two runners on and two outs. In relief, Grant Cornette struck out the next batter to end the frame. ACA did not score in the second and the game remained 10-0.

in the third Julian put together a couple of hits and scored a run on a double steal to get on the scoreboard. In the home half, three more runs scored without a hit to make the margin 13-1. Bryson Dabney ended the scoring with a two-run single, scoring Jackson Burton and Teilan Long.

Landon Nelson led the offense with a 2 for 2 night with two runs driven in and three runs scored. Zander Costanza and Bryson Dabney delivered the team’s other two hits. Connor Foucault and Dabney both drove in two runs. Jackson Burton and Grant Cornette combined for nine strikeouts over four innings on the hill.

Alabama Christian hosts Billingsley on Tuesday in its next axtion.

Lady Eagles Drop Close One to PCA

After an unusual 13 day layoff in the middle of the season, the ACA (2-10) softball team hosted PCA on Thursday. The game was tied after five innings, but the Panthers scored two in the sixth to come away with a road victory. The home team did not help themselves as they committed eight errors. PCA was not much better as they had seven of their own.

The Panthers scored one in the top of the first, but ACA responded when Maddie Traywick singled to center and tied the game. In the third, the Eagles took their only lead of the day as Annabelle Pugh drove in Izzy Warrick for a 2-1 lead. PCA tied it back up in the fourth as they scored on an Eagle error. The Panthers added two runs in the fifth, but it was ACA’s turn to respond as they tied it up in the bottom half. Warrick led off the frame with a single to right and later scored on a Traywick ground out to cut the lead to one. With two outs, Lily Sconyers drove in the second run of the inning with a single to center that scored Elizabeth Hall. Another error in the sixth opened the door for PCA as they scored two in the sixth for a 6-4 advantage. Over the final two innings, Alabama Christian only one player reach base as they were unable to answer PCA one last time.

Although Izzy Warrick took the loss in the circle, she pitched well allowing no earned runs with nine strikeouts over seven. Four players, Warrick, Annabelle Pugh, Maddie Traywick, and Lily Sconyers, each had one hit for the Eagle offense. Traywick drove in two to lead the team and Warrick scored two for top honors.

ACA begins Area play on Monday as they host St James.

Eagles Run Rule Carver in Four Innings

As ACA (7-9) readies for Area play at the end of the week, the Eagles have two games against local opponents on Monday and Tuesday. Monday’s contest saw Alabama Christian host an over matched Carver team and the home team won easily, 16-1.

Carver scored in the first to take an early lead, but Garnt Cornette knocked in Mac Moorer to tie the score. After Moorer went an inning to start, Landon Nelson struck out the side after giving up a leadoff single in the second. In the bottom of the second, the wheels fell off for Carver as ACA scored eleven runs in the frame. Ten of the first eleven batters reached safely as Carver committed three errors. The run scoring hits belonged to Moorer with a two-run double and Nelson with an RBI single. The other eight runs scored on an assortment of errors, passed balls, wild pitches, and walks.

Cam Sutton came in to pitch the third and gave up one hit as he faced four batters. ACA hoped to end it in the third, but managed just one run to keep the game alive for another inning. Sutton came back out for the fourth and set the Wolverines down 1-2-3. in the home half of the inning it looked as if we might play another as two of the first three Eagle batters were retired. However, the next three players reached and Grant Cornette ended it with a single to center to make the lead fifteen.

Grant Cornette led the offense with three hits in four at bats with a run scored and two driven in. Mac Moorer, Landon Nelson, and Teilan Long collected the team’s other three hits. Moorer drove in two runs to match Cornette for the top spot while six players scored two runs. Nelson picked up the win with an inning of relief. The three pitchers combined on a two-hitter with eight strikeouts over four innings.

If weather allows, ACA visits Catholic on Tuesday in their next contest.

Alabama Christian Finishes Week with Dominant Performance

After dropping the third game of the week on Tuesday to Goodpasture (TN) the Eagles bounced back on Wednesday and trounced Victory Christian (OK) by a score of 14-1 in four innings. ACA split their four games played over spring break.

The game started in a competitive manner as ACA scored two in the first inning and Victory responded with one in the bottom half. However, the Eagles ended any suspense in the second inning as they exploded for eight runs in the second. After the leadoff hitter was retired, the next eight batters reached safely. Alabama Christian loaded the bases without the benefit of a hit. Jackson McGuire, Landon Nelson, and Grant Cornette each drove in single runs before Jackson Burton delivered the big blast with a grand slam over the left field fence to give ACA a 9-1 advantage. Cam Sutton drove in the last run of the frame for a 10-1 lead.

Landon Nelson, who gave up a run in the first on the mound, settled in and mowed down the Conquerers as he retired nine of the next ten hitters over the final three innings. The senior helped his own cause with a two-run double in the third followed by a two-run single by Grant Cornette for a commanding 14-1 cushion. Neither team scored in the fourth as the game ended after four innings.

Mac Moorer, Landon Nelson, and Grant Cornette each delivered two hits to lead the offense. Moorer scored three runs while Nelson and Cornette each drove in three runs. Jackson Burton led the team in RBIs with four driven in with one swing of the bat. Nelson dominated on the mound to earn the victory as he gave up two hits and one run with nine strikeouts over four innings.

Alabama Christian returns to action next Monday, March 25, as they travel to Greenville.

ACA Splits a Pair on Day One of Spring Break Tournament

Spring break for the baseball team started at 9:00 am Monday morning at the ball field. Alabama Christian (5-8) played Brighton (TN) in the first game and Hilldale (OK) in game number two. Game one was a nine inning thriller that ACA won 4-3 while game two got away from the Eagles late in a 2-10 loss.

Game one - Brighton

The Eagles struck first and scored three runs in the first two innings. in the first, Mac Moorer and Jackson McGuire got on to start the inning, but it took a two-out single from Jackson Burton to plate the first run of the game. In the bottom half, Moorer and McGuire teamed up again as they got the last out of the inning by throwing a runner out who was attempting to steal home. in the second, after loading the bases with no outs, Bryson Dabney singled in the second run of the day and McGuire knocked in the third run on an RBI fielder’s choice. Meanwhile, Moorer, who got the start on the hill, breezed through the Brighton lineup the fist time around as he faced the minimum of nine batters through the first three innings.

In the fourth inning, Brighton finally scored with the help of two Eagle errors to cut the deficit to one run. The designated home team hoped to score more than two, but Sam Schoeteker made a fabulous catch for the third out in center to end the threat. Neither offense could get any momentum in the fifth and sixth innings and the teams went to the seventh with ACA still clinging to a one-run lead, 3-2.

In the seventh, Bryson Dabney led off the inning being hit by a pitch, but could only get as far as second base. In the bottom half, Brighton put together two hits to tie the game 3-3. Landon Nelson came in with two outs to try to keep it tied. After giving up an infield single, Nelson recorded the third out as the game headed to extra innings. Neither offense put anyone on base in the eighth and the ninth started that way for the Eagles. The first two batters in the inning struck out, but the next three reached safely to put Alabama Christian ahead. Dabney was hit for the second time in the game followed by a walk from Mac Moorer. Jackson McGuire delivered the game winning single to center on an 0-2 count to give ACA the lead. Nelson closed the door in the bottom half and the Eagles walked away with a thrilling win to start the day.

Jackson McGuire led the offense with a 2 for 5 day with two runs driven in while Teilan Long went 2 for 4 in the opener. Jackson Burton and Bryson Dabney both had a hit and an RBI. Landon Nelson picked up the win with 2 1/3 innings of relief work with two strikeouts. Starter Mac Moorer, who pitched well enough to win, lasted 6 2/3 innings while striking out four and allowing just two earned runs.

Game two - Hilldale

ACA scored first in game two as well, but that was the highlight of the second game. Grant Cornette knocked in Mac Moorer with an RBI ground out to take an early 1-0 lead. ACA loaded the bases in the second, but was unable to push across a run. The Hilldale bats came alive in the third as they scored four in the frame for a three-run advantage. Trailing 5-1 in the sixth, the Eagles loaded the bases again and scored their second run when Moorer was hit by pitch, but three runs down would be as close as they would get. Hilldale doubled their score as they scored five in the sixth to end it by a final score of 10-2.

The offense mustered just three singles from Grant Cornette, Telian Long, and Cam Sutton although they were hit by pitch five times and drew two walks. Cornette and Mac Moorer drove in the two runs. Cam Sutton got the loss as he gave up five earned runs in five innings while striking out three. Long made his debut on the mound for the varsity as he pitched to the last two hitters of the game.