Lady Eagles Win Two of Three to Start Season

The girls basketball team played three games at home in the first week of the season defeating Loachapoaka and Lee-Scott Academy after losing the opener to Catholic.

Catholic - November 19

ACA started the season against a very tough Catholic squad. The home team stayed close to the Knights early and, after a Jaide Newkirk basket, trailed 9-13 with about two minutes left in the first. Unfortunately, the Eagles went cold from the floor and allowed twenty-one consecutive points by Catholic over a seven minute span. Katelyn Sutton finally stopped the run with a 3-pointer to cut the score to 12-34. A steal and score by Izzy Warrick at the first half buzzer made the score 18-43 at the break.

Although the outcome of the game was not in doubt, ACA managed to play evenly with the visitors in the second half and were only outscored by two points over the final sixteen minutes. Katelyn Sutton took advantage of the situation scoring ten of her team high thirteen points in the second half. ACA lost the contest 45-72. Sutton finished with 5 assists and four rebounds to go along with her team best point total. Jaide Newkirk scored 10 points with six rebounds and four assists. A’Kirra McElveen led the team with nine rebounds.

Loachapoaka- November 21

ACA used a 21-6 first period, powered by Katelyn Sutton’s ten points, to open up a commanding lead. However, foul trouble for Sutton and Jaide Newkirk, contributed to a sluggish offensive performance in the second as the Indians cut the lead to 30-18 at the half. The Eagles righted the ship in the third quarter as they outscored their opponent 16-4 to open the lead back up to 46-22 heading to the final period. Alabama Christian cruised in the fourth to a 56-30 victory. Sutton led the team with 19 points, six steals, and five assists. Jaide Newkirk added a double-double with 12 points and ten rebounds.

Lee-Scott Academy - November 22

ACA scored the first eleven points of the game over the first three and a half minutes to open a double digit lead. Campbell Hammett and Katelyn Sutton combined for eight points in the run. Lee-Scott responded with six straight , but a three by Adalynn Newkirk closed the scoring in the quarter to make the score 14-6 after one. The Warriors hit two treys to start the second to cut the score to 14-12. However, over the last seven minutes of the period, ACA outscored its guests 14-4 to lead 28-16 at the half.

The Eagles flexed their muscles as they outscored Lee-Scott 22-8 in the third period to put the game away. Adalynn Newkirk hit a three at the buzzer to exclamate the dominant quarter. Several players got an opportunity to shine on offense in the fourth as the margin grew. ACA beat the Warriors 60-27 to finish its first week.

Katelyn Sutton had an all around strong game with 17 points, six assists, five steals, and four rebounds. Jaide Newkirk added 10 points with eight rebounds. Adalynn Newkirk had nine points while Campbell Hammett had eight points.

The Lady Eagles host New Brockton Monday, November 25 to close out their four game homestand.

ACA Wins Overtime Thriller to Open Season

Coach Trace Hill’s first game at Alabama Christian was a wild one. With family and friends in the stands to support him, the first year coach watched his Eagles never give up and beat Loachapoaka 60-55 in overtime.

Loachapoaka came out smoking as they connected on 8 of 9 shots from the floor in the first quarter. Sam Davidson helped keep the score close with a couple of three balls, but the visitors led 17-12 after one. In the second period, the Indians had an answer every time ACA would close the gap. Midway through the quarter Jaydon McElrath and Broderick Williams hit back to back baskets to tie the game 21-21. However, Loachapoaka finished the half on a 6-1 run to open the lead back to five points at intermission. Davidson and Connor Mark both had six at the break to lead the offense.

Like the first half, the Eagles would cut into the lead in the third period, but Loachapoaka would stretch the lead back out. With just over four minutes left in the quarter the Indians took their biggest lead at 35-28. Connor Mark and Christian Snipes scored the next five points to cut the margin to two, but the gap was four points at the end of the third, 35-39. The Indians continued to fight off ACA’s attempts to comeback in the final period. A three pointer with just over three minutes left gave the visitors a 46-40 cushion and it looked as if Alabama Christian would run out of time. Mac Moorer and Jayden Jones hit three of four free throws to cut the lead to 43-46 with 2:27 left. After the teams traded baskets Mark came up with a steal to gain possession for ACA. The offensive trip produced an AC Walters free throw to cut the lead to 46-48 with 1:08 left.

The last minute was not for the faint of heart. After an Indian score, Sam Davidson nailed a three to cut the lead to 49-50 with 35.6 seconds left. The Eagles dilemma was they still had a foul to give before free throws. Loachapoaka was able to bleed the clock to 11.2 seconds before they were sent to the charity stripe. Both free throws were good and the Eagles trailed by three with one shot left to tie it. Christian Snipes dialed long distance just left of the top of the key at the buzzer to force overtime much to the dismay of a shocked Loachapoaka bench and cheering section.

In overtime the team got on Jayden Jones’ back and he carried them the rest of the way home. The Indians scored first, but Jones responded with a bucket of his own to tie the game, 54-54. Christian Snipes gambled on defense and stole an attempted pass to the post to give ACA a chance to take the lead. Jones rebounded a missed three and was fouled with 1:22 left. The senior connected on both freebies to give the home team its first lead since 3-2 early in the contest. The Indians hit a free throw to cut the lead to a single point and got the ball back after an Eagle turnover. However, Jaydon McElrath cleaned the glass with a tough rebound and got the ball to Jones who was fouled and hit two more free throws. Jones closed it out with two more with 7.1 seconds left for a 60-55 triumph.

Jayden Jones led the team with 15 points, including all eight of the team’s points in overtime, and 12 rebounds. Connor Mark finished with 12 points, five rebounds, and four steals while Sam Davidson and Christian Snipes both had nine points in the victory.

Alabama Christian will play in the Larry Chapman Foundation Tip Off Classic at MA next week. The Eagles first game will be against Pike Road on Monday, November 25th.

Eagles Season Ends in Second Round of Playoffs

Alabama Christian’s season ended Friday night as they fell to Bayside Academy, 23-7. The game was close until the very end and the Eagles had opportunities to trim the Bayside lead, but could not finish drives. ACA was intercepted three times in the second half in Admiral territory.

The Eagles received the opening kickoff and marched methodically to Bayside’s 27-yard line. However, the drive stalled with consecutive negative plays to force a long fourth down from the 32-yard line. Out of field goal range and not wanting to give Bayside any momentum, ACA elected to take a delay penalty to back themselves up five more yards and punt the ball. The strategy worked as the Admiral offense did nothing with its first opportunity and punted the ball back after just three plays. Alabama Christian’s second drive of the night was its best. Christian Snipes hit Bryant Swindle and AC Walters on consecutive plays to move the ball onto Bayside’s side of the field. Next, a 15-yard run by David Ortiz-Ramirez moved the ball to the 29-yard line. The drive ended on a quick screen on the right side to Walters who ran past the defenders on his way to the end zone. With 3:49 left in the first ACA led 7-0.

Bayside would show their tenacity and lack of discipline on the next drive as they overcame five penalties, including one on the bench, to kick a field goal to cut the lead to 7-3. The Admirals held the ball for over five minutes and 13 plays that counted. After sitting for that long, the offense did not look sharp as two quarterback runs and an incomplete pass gave the ball right back to Bayside. Gaining momentum, the Admirals drove 65 yards in 10 plays to take the lead for good, 9-7 with 4:42 left in the half. ACA tried to get back on track as AC Walters ran back to back plays from the QB spot to move the ball into Bayside territory. A 14-yard pass to Jackson Burton moved the ball to the 32-yard line, but that is far as the drive would go. The next three plays combined for a loss of three yards and an incomplete pass on a fake punt turned the ball over on downs. Luckily, Bayside was unable to take advantage and the score remained 9-7 at the half.

Bayside opened the second half by driving to ACA’s 23-yard line, but would end up punting two plays later after a tackle for loss by Micah Merritt and a false start penalty. The punt was shanked badly and only traveled six yards to give ACA the ball at their own 27-yard line. The Eagles were able to move the ball on the ground on their first drive of the half and drove to Bayside’s 30-yard line. On 3rd and 8, ACA tried to set up a screen on the right side, but #13 for Bayside read it all the way and picked the pass off and might have had a pick-six if David Ortiz-Ramirez hadn’t caught him. Three plays later Bayside did score to extend the lead to 16-7 with 4:03 left in the third period. For the past two weeks this is the point of the game where ACA flipped the switch and made a furious comeback. Once again the offense moved the ball and had just made it to the plus side of the field as the third period ended.

The offense moved the ball deep into Admiral territory and faced a 2nd and 4 from the 11-yard line. A score here with ten-plus minutes left in the game would give ACA a fighting chance to win this thing. Unfortunately, #13 made another incredible play for the Bayside defense as he picked off an attempted swing pass to end the Eagle threat. ACA would have the ball three more times in the game, but were unable to put up any points. The only serious threat ended with an all too familiar theme of interception. Bayside ran out the clock after the last pick for the win.

Micah Merritt led the defense with nine tackles and a sack while Broderick Williams and Jackson Burton each had seven tackles. Levi Summers finished with six tackles followed by Cooper Milner with five. AC Walters had 50 yards rushing on 10 carries and 59 yards receiving on five catches. David Ortiz-Ramirez had 48 yards rushing on 12 attempts. Jackson Burton led the team with six receptions for 69 yards. Christian Snipes was 16 of 27 for 136 yards and a touchdown.

We thank Coach Summers and his staff along with the players for a spectacular season. You brought the Eagle nation a lot of thrills and memories. We also appreciate the sportsmanship and class you showed during the season even when your opponent may not have been. Special thanks to Cathy Moorer for allowing me to use her pictures in the articles.

Eagles Drain the Swamp in Playoff Win Over Glenwood

For the second week in a row Alabama Christian walked the tightrope between losing and winning and lived to tell the tale. Last week ACA fell behind by 13 points early before fighting their way back for a victory. This week the Eagles spotted Glenwood 20 points and trailed 13-35 just a minute into the second quarter before producing one of the greatest comebacks in program history. The final score was 46-42 as the defense allowed just seven points over the last 35 minutes of the game.

Glenwood, who is new to AHSAA this year, came into the game undefeated, but as the game progressed chinks started to show in the armor. Before the game, the quality of their Region was questioned and as all four of their playoff teams were beaten in the first round, rightfully so. Only one other Region in all of the playoffs was swept out in the first round this year. During the game, the Gators seemed more concerned with trash talking and extracurricular activity after the whistle than finishing the game. As the game wore on their defense looked gassed and you could see the pressure of the game affecting them. Since the first week of the season, the closest margin of victory was 21 points exposing the fact they had not been pushed in the fourth for much of the season. We could write a book about their PA announcer, but all I will say is no self respecting Eagles fan will ever darken the doors of Tires First.

The home-standing Gators took the opening kickoff and drove 76 yards in five plays for a quick score and a 7-0 lead. ACA turned the ball over on its first possession to give the ball back to Glenwood around the middle of the field. Two plays later the lead was extended to 14-0 with 8:23 left in the first. With a two score lead the chirping picked up as Alabama Christian continued to struggle on offense. ACA turned the ball over on downs after a failed fourth down halfback pass attempt. The Gators scored again in what seemed like the longest first period ever and led 20-0 with 3:37 still left in the quarter. Teilan Long sparked the team with a 35-yard kick return to set up the offense deep in Glenwood territory. However, after consecutive holding calls ACA was backed up to the 40-yard line facing a 1st and 22. Two plays later, the offense handed the ball off to David Ortiz-Ramirez who raced through the defense on a 39-yard touchdown run for the Eagles first points of the night. The Gator defense had absolutely no answer for #21 as he ran around, over, through, and past them the rest of the night.

Although the offense had figured some things out late in the first, the defense was not quite there yet. Glenwood responded with a touchdown and added a two-point conversion to move the score to 28-7 with 1:34 still left in the opening quarter. Alabama Christian only needed a minute, as they fed Oriz-Ramirez on three straight plays, to match the Glenwood touchdown. The senior back’s second touchdown covered 40 yards and cut the score to 13-28 after a missed extra point. One more offensive play by the Gators brought the first period to an end. The teams combined to run 43 plays and score six touchdowns in the opening stanza.

The Glenwood offense must have felt like it would be more of the same in the second as they scored less than a minute into the quarter for their biggest lead of the game, 35-13. Little did they know the Eagle defense would stand strong for the rest of the game. Over the remaining 11 Glenwood possessions, the home team would score one touchdown and turn the ball over four times, including the last three times they had the ball. Both teams traded punts on the next two drives as Micah Merritt ended Glenwood’s drive with a third down sack. With 9:08 left in the half, Ortiz-Ramirez struck again as he took a screen pass and ran 51 yards for an apparent touchdown. However, after a long conference between the officials, one of many on the night, offsetting penalties were called and the play was nullified. It must have felt even sweeter the second time as Ortiz-Ramirez took the hand off up the middle and broke to the left sideline for another 51-yard scoring play, except this one counted, on the very next play. After two 50-yard dashes in a row and no time to catch his breath, the offense gave it to #21 again but the two-point conversion failed.

Micah Merritt ended the second drive in a row with a sack of the Glenwood quarterback. This time it was on fourth down and gave the ball back to the offense on its own 39-yard line with 6:49 left in the half. ACA opened the possession with a 26-yard pass completion to Jackson Burton and three plays later the junior tight end helped the team pick up another first down with a 16-yard reception from the arm of AC Walters. Three plays later, Christian Snipes hit David Ortiz-Ramirez on a swing pass out of the backfield for a 13-yard scoring strike along the left sideline. After another failed 2-point attempt, ACA trailed 25-35 with 4:10 left in the half. The Glenwood offense looked to be back on track, but a TJ Meritt interception of a ball that caromed off the receiver ended the threat with 3:16 on the clock. The Eagles looked poised to score and make the contest a one-score game as they had a first down on the Glenwood 16-yard line. However, a personal foul and an intentional grounding moved the ball back to the 37-yard line and forced a punt. Glenwood was content to run the clock out and leave the field with a 10-point lead at the half.

After all of the offensive fireworks in the first half, the last thing anyone expected was a scoreless quarter, but that is exactly what happened as neither offense was able to put anything together. ACA was able to move the ball as all three of their drives made it to Glenwood territory. The Gator’s offense produced two three and outs to start the quarter and turned the ball over on downs on the first play of the fourth.

Down by ten to start the final period was right where ACA wanted them. The offense moved the ball eighteen yards in two plays to set up a 2nd and 2 from the ACA 39-yard line. The next play was a thing of beauty. As Ladarius Walters went in motion to the right side, Christian Snipes threw a quick pass to AC Walters. Ladarius wiped out one defender while AC put a vaporizing move (one second he was there, the next he was gone) on a second and he was off to the races on a 61-yard scoring play to cut the lead to three points. The eerie silence in the stadium was the Glenwood faithful who nervously squirmed in their seats. Even the PA man implored the fans to cheer louder. To Glenwood’s credit, they did respond while on the ropes and scored on a 34-yard heave that the defender lost track of in the air. With 10:04 left the lead was back to ten, 42-32.

AC Walters returned the next kickoff on to Glenwood’s side of the field. Three straight runs by David Ortiz-Ramirez and a horse collar penalty set up a 1st and goal at the 9-yard line. From the QB spot, Walters covered the last nine yards in two carries to cut the lead back to three with 8:08 left. You could feel momentum heading over to the ACA sidelines and a growing belief that this was about to happen. Glenwood ran the ball twice to start their next drive to move the ball out to their own 45-yard line. On first down, Cooper Milner stepped in front of the receiver and picked off the Gator QB to get the ball back. Now, momentum was sitting on the ACA bench and getting comfortable because he was staying. The defensive memo for Glenwood at halftime had to be stop #21, but they couldn’t. A 44-yard run by the star of the game and two after the play personal fouls on Glenwood set up a 1st and goal at the one-yard line. On first down, Walters set up at quarterback and ran the ball in for Alabama Christian’s first lead of the game, 46-42, with 5:50 left.

At this point, things were starting to unravel for Glenwood. A receiver fumbled on the first play of the next drive after a Levi Summers tackle and ACA recovered. The Eagles picked up one first down and although they missed a 38-yard field goal attempt to end the drive, they did manage to take just over three minutes off the clock. The Gators got the ball on their own 20-yard line with 2:43 remaining. They moved quickly down the field and faced a 3rd and 17 from the ACA 34-yard line with just under two minutes to go. Glenwood went for it all, but the QB slipped as he threw and the receiver slipped as he went for the ball. The only one standing was Bryson Dabney who intercepted the ball at the 2-yard line for the Eagles. A penalty after the play against Glenwood moved the ball out to the 18-yard line to give Alabama Christian some breathing room. With 1:45 left and Glenwood with two timeouts, a first down would seal the win. On a 3rd and 5, and Glenwood out of timeouts, a Gator defender jumped offside to help give ACA the first down they needed for the win. Two victory formation plays later, the Eagles were headed to the second round.

This win was a total team effort and many players shined bright, but David Ortiz-Ramirez turned in a performance for the ages and will haunt the dreams of Gator defenders for years to come. The senior finished with 282 yards rushing on 27 carries and 21 yards receiving on two catches and four total touchdowns. The 282 yards rushing in a single game was the second best night in the playoffs and third best overall total in program history and he became just the fourth player in ACA history to have over 300 all-purpose yards in a game. AC Walters finished with five catches for 108 yards and 49 tough rushing yards on 16 carries and three total touchdowns. He also completed a pass for 16 yards on three attempts. Jackson Burton caught three passes for 61 yards. Christian Snipes went 9 of 21 for 175 yards and two touchdowns through the air.

On defense, TJ Merritt, Cooper Milner, and Bryson Dabney each had an interception. Micah Merritt had eight tackles and two sacks while Levi Summers matched him with eight tackles and a forced fumble. Jordan Sanders, Mekhi Gardner, and Jaydon McElrath each finished with five tackles.

Next week, Alabama Christian will host Bayside Academy in the secound round of the playoffs.

ACA Shocks Maplesville with Win on Last Play of Game

You know you’ve just witnessed something stunning, something spectacular, something special when the home team’s press box doesn’t put the last points you scored up on the board and turns the scoreboard off before the handshake line has finished. That’s exactly what happened in a 32-29 thriller as Alabama Christian defeated Maplesville in dramatic fashion on the last play of the game. With 5.7 seconds left in the game and on the far edge of field goal range, the decision was made to go for the win. Christian Snipes dropped back to pass and moved to his right to avoid the pass rush. As he rolled out, the junior quarterback spotted two receivers in the right corner of the end zone along with three defenders. Snipes heaved the ball and although AC Walters was unable to reach the ball, Bryant Swindle was standing right behind him and was able to corral the game winner. Bedlam ensued on the ACA side of the field as the miracle finish was celebrated.

The contest wasn’t nearly as exciting at the start as the Eagles looked flat and Maplesville seized control of the game. On the opening drive, the Red Devils methodically drove 74 yards in 11 plays to score the first points of the game. The scoring march took half of the quarter as ACA’s offense hit the field for the first time with 5:56 left in the period. The offense converted one third down opportunity with an eight yard completion to David Ortiz-Ramirez, but couldn’t convert a second time and turned the ball over on downs after a failed fake punt attempt. The Devils put their offense in low gear and kept the ball on the ground for the remainder of the first. The quarter ended with the ball on the ACA 13-yard line after six consecutive runs.

Four snaps into the second Maplesville scored again on a 3rd and goal from the 1-yard line on the only pass of the drive. The score remained 13-0 as Jackson Burton blocked the extra point. The special teams excellence seemed to pump some life into the team. After a running play to start the team’s second drive, Christian Snipes hit AC Walters on a go for a 76-yard touchdown beauty which trimmed the lead to six points. Taking advantage of the momentum, ACA squib kicked looking to steal a possession. Like a missile, David Ortiz-Ramirez came in hot and beat the Maplesville player to the ball to give the ball back to the offense. Unfortunately, the offense turned the ball over on the next play as Snipes was intercepted as he was hit while he threw. The Red Devils were given a gift by the official on their sideline on the third play of the next drive as a ball that clearly looked like it bounced was ruled a completion after several seconds of indecision. The home team drove to ACA’s 29-yard line where they faced a 3rd and 5. The defense stood firm on back to back plays to turn the ball over on downs. On third down, O’Kevion Suggs tackled the Maplesville back for a loss and on fourth down Micah Merritt and Jaydo McElrath met at the quarterback for a ten yard loss.

With 3:50 left in the half, Alabama Christian looked to score before intermission. The drive started with a 21-yard gain on a pass from Snipes to Ortiz-Ramirez which moved the ball to the Red Devil 39-yard line. AC Walters scored on the next play, but a holding call nullified the touchdown. After a defensive offside moved the ball up five yards, Snipes and Ortiz-Ramirez struck again on a 40 yard completion that set up a 1st and goal on the 2-yard line. On second down, Walters ran it in from three yards out to give ACA the lead 14-13 with 1:46 left in the half. The Maplesville coaching staff seemed content to go to the locker room despite the time left on the clock. The offense ran the ball on three straight plays and took their time between plays much to the dissatisfaction of the home fans. The Eagles left the field with a one point lead at the half and would receive the ball to begin the third quarter.

The second half started with Christian Snipes being sacked on first down and under heavy pressure drawing an intentional grounding call two plays later. After a punt, Maplesville’s offense took the field for the first time in the second half. Two plays later, a 64-yard run up the middle vaulted the Devils back into the lead. A two-point conversion made the score 21-14. Not to be outdone, Snipes pitched the ball to David Ortiz-Ramirez on the first play of the next possession and watched the senior race 63 yards for a score. A failed two-point conversion made the score 20-21 with 10:02 left in the third. Despite both teams scoring a touchdown early in the quarter, Maplesville was able to flip the one-point advantage due to the results of both team’s two-point conversions. The home team added to its slim lead with a 6-play, 60-yard drive in just under three minutes. Another successful two-point try made the score 29-20 in favor of Maplesville.

ACA needed to respond as momentum seemed to be moving across the field. After three plays netted just four yards the Eagles lined up to punt which surprised a few folks. However, the fake was on as AC Walters hit Jackson Burton on a 33-yard gain down to the Maplesville 18-yard line. Facing another fourth down, special teams were called on again as Tyson Summers connected on a 31-yard field goal to make it a one score game at 23-29. The Red Devils moved the ball on its next drive to ACA’s 9-yard line as they tried to regain control of the game. Over the next four plays, the defense began a series of important stops over the final quarter. On first down, Jaydon McElrath pressured the passer and Levi Summers broke up the attempt for an incompletion. On second down, Cam Sutton and Summers stopped the runner at the 6-yard line. Third down saw Ladarrius Walters throw the Maplesville back for a three yard loss to set up fourth down. The home team let the third quarter clock run out to talk about the call on fourth down.

The Devils decided to forego the field goal and go for the end zone. However, they ran the ball from nine yards out hoping to catch the defense unprepared. Just like third down, Ladarrius Walters made the stop and helped turn the ball over on downs. Despite being 95 yards away from the end zone, the Eagles still had life. Back to back runs by AC Walters moved the ball out to the 23-yard line. David Ortiz-Ramirez moved the ball into enemy territory with a 44-yard run that ended as he absolutely trucked a Maplesville defender. Walters added 25 more yards two plays later to move the ball to the 18-yard line. Facing a fourth down on the 14-yard line, Tyson Summers hit another 31-yarder with 8:58 left to cut the score to 26-29. Maplesville’s plan was to use as much clock as possible no matter the outcome of the next drive. Their offense kept the ball on the ground and moved the chains four times to eat up precious time. All of the coaches in the stands were getting nervous and implored the sidelines to start using their timeouts to save time. The game looked to be over as The Red Devils scored an apparent touchdown, but a personal foul brought it back. Once again, the defense stiffened and ACA got the ball back with 2:04 left without having used any of their timeouts.

Disaster struck on the second play of the drive as Snipes was intercepted as he was once again hit while throwing. The home team had the ball back with 1:39 left in the game and felt good about the outcome. The timeouts that had not been used earlier were like gold at this point of the game. ACA called timeouts after stops on first and second down to set up a 3rd and 8 for the game. The dilemma on the Maplesville sideline was whether to run the ball to force their opponent to use its final timeout or try a pass in hopes of getting a first down and ending it. The Devils opted for a safe throw to a back coming out of the backfield, but Jaydon McElarath got up and swatted the ball out of the air for the incompletion. It was fourth down and the Eagles still had one timeout.

After a punt, Alabama Christian took over on its own 12-yard line with 1:15 left in the game. A 15-yard completion to AC Walters on a crossing route moved the ball to the 27-yard line with 1:08 left. Christian Snipes scrambled for three yards on the next play, but most importantly got out of bounds with 1:00 remaining. A penalty on ACA negated a gain for the Eagles, but at least the clock stopped on the play. Snipes found Jackson Burton for 22 yards to the 47-yard line, but the clock was running. ACA tried to spike the ball to stop the clock, but the snap wasn’t handled and Snipes went to his knees before he spiked the ball which kept the clock winding. As the coaches argued it was a spike and the clock should have stopped, it kept running. Finally, with 32 seconds left ACA called the timeout when they realized they would not win the argument with the officials. However, no one told the clock operator and the clock made it to 21 seconds before it was stopped. After a discussion the officials put 25 seconds on the clock. David Ortiz-Ramirez moved the ball to Maplesville 24-yard line after catching a pass from Snipes. The offense lined up quickly and stopped the clock with 5.7 seconds left setting up the game winning play. The fantastic finish will go down as one of the greatest moments in program history.

Christian Snipes finished the game 12 of 24 for 247 yards and two touchdowns. His favorite receivers were AC Walters and David Ortiz-Ramirez who both finished with five catches. Walters had 107 yards receiving and a touchdown while Ortiz-Ramirez had 97 receiving yards. Jackson Burton had two receptions for 55 yards and Bryant Swindle’s game winner was his lone catch of the game. On the ground, Ortiz-Ramirez had 115 yards on just five rushes and a touchdown while Walters finished with 54 yards on nine carries and a score. On defense, Ladarrius Walters and Jaydon McElrath led the way with eight tackles apiece followed closely by a trio of Eagles, Cam Sutton, Levi Summers, and Burton, who had seven tackles each.

The playoffs start next week as Alabama Christian travels to Phenix City to take on Glenwood next Friday night.

Eagles Fall Short in Shoot Out with MA

Alabama Christian came into Friday night’s contest against MA looking for its fourth consecutive win against its cross town rival. The two armies of Eagles traded blows for three quarters, but in the end MA pulled away for the 57-36 triumph. The visitors took advantage of their gigantic receiving corps and the girth on their lines to wear the home team down.

MA received the ball to start the game and moved to ACA’s 25-yard line, but the drive stalled. MA went for it on 4th and 8, but turned the ball over on downs as Cooper Milner broke up the pass attempt. ACA’s offense came out firing as MA’s defense looked a step slow. Four running plays and two defensive offsides moved the ball to MA’s seven-yard line. The first pass of the possession brought six points as Christian Snipes rolled out to his right and found AC Walters at the pylon. With Tyson Summers not available, the chance of creativity on the extra point attempts was increased. Walters pitched a pop pass to David Ortiz-Ramirez who went around right end for an 8-0 lead. MA tied the game in just one play with a 59-yard run right through the middle of the defense and two-point conversion. With 3:36 left in the first, the game was tied 8-8.

Last week’s first quarter totaled 43 points as both offenses scored at will. The last few minutes of Friday night’s opening period had that same track meet feel. David Ortiz-Ramirez set up the offense with great field position at the visitor’s 45-yard line after his 39-yard kick return and horse collar penalty on the tackle. On the second play of the drive, AC Walters caught a quick pass on the left side, made a defender miss, and was off to the races for a 44-yard score. After Broderick Williams ran in the two-point conversion, the Eagles led 16-8 late in the first. MA matched its host with a two-play drive of its own to cut the lead to 16-15 with 2:23 left. A busted coverage left an MA receiver wide open for the easy score. The first ended with ACA in MA territory after six straight plays of the ball in Walters or Ortiz-Ramirez’s hands.

The offense would get no closer to the MA goal line as the ball was turned over on downs two plays into the second. The defense stiffened and forced a three and out aided by a third down sack by Jaydon McElrath. ACA opened up the passing game on its fourth drive of the night as Christian Snipes found AC Walters and Jackson Burton to help move the ball to MA’s 21-yard line. However, an interception in the end zone ended the threat with 7:46 left in the half. On the next play, MA hit one of their mammoth receivers on a slant that turned into an 80-yard score for a 22-16 lead. ACA responded impressively with an 11-play, 67-yard drive that took almost five minutes to tie the contest, 22-22. Snipes hit Burton and Walters on big gainers and used his own legs on runs of 18 and 10 yards. On 2nd and goal from the four, disaster was averted as Walters was able to recover a fumbled handoff exchange. On third down, the Troy commit covered the final eight yards himself to tie it. Both teams had the ball one more time before halftime, but neither were able to put any points on the board. The half ended with a tie game.

ACA started the second half with a bang as Christian Snipes hit Jackson Burton on a slant on the way to a 59-yard touchdown. After the catch, Burton made a cut straight up the field that was a thing of beauty and was so good it broke the ankles of the defender's family members. Subbing for Tyson Summers, David Johnson hit the first of two extra points for the first points of his career. Once again, MA answered immediately as their QB bought time and found another wide open receiver for a 42-yard score to tie the game up, 29-29. Forty-nine seconds into the second half both teams had already scored a touchdown. For the first time all night, the Alabama Christian offense was ineffective which led to a punt after just three plays. MA took advantage of the momentum swing and scored another long touchdown on a slant pass on the third play of the ensuing drive to take the lead for good with 7:30 left in the third. A second straight three and out gave the ball back to an offense that was finding its rhythm. MA extended the lead as their QB once again extended a play and hit a receiver who had gotten behind the defense for a 62-yard touchdown. The visitors led 43-29 with 2:00 left in the third. The home standing Eagles had to respond or the game would get out of reach. To the offense’s credit, after two three and outs, they regrouped and scored when they had to. An AC Walters 42-yard run moved the ball to MA’s 15-yard line. Two plays later, Snipes found Burton for the second time in the quarter to cut the deficit to seven points.

Despite the touchdown and being down just one score, the MA offense was hitting its stride and proved too much to handle. MA marched 64 yards in eight plays to move the lead back to two scores with 9:26 remaining. Knowing they had to score, ACA went for a fourth down on its own 40-yard line, but could not convert. MA scored with 5:35 left in the game to make the score 57-36 and end any hope of a comeback. ACA again turned the ball over on downs and MA ran the remaining clock out to end it.

Christian Snipes finished the night completing 17 passes on 24 attempts for 248 yards and four touchdowns. AC Walters was Snipes favorite target with seven catches for 99 yards and two touchdowns. Jackson Burton had five receptions for 107 yards and two scores while David Ortiz-Ramirez had five catches for 35 yards. Walter finished with 63 yards rushing and a touchdown on six carries while Ortiz-Ramirez and Snipes had 48 and 44 yards rushing respectively. Burton led the defense with eight tackles followed by Levi Summers with seven. Mekhi Gardner and Jordan Sanders both had six tackles while Jaydon McElrath and Micah Merritt both had five. McElrath had two sacks on the night.

Alabama Christian closes out the regular season next week at Maplesville.

Alabama Christian Earns Berth into State Tournament

ACA won three of four games at the 3A Super Regionals on Thursday and Friday to advance to the round of eight in the State tournament for the first time since 2018. The Eagles had to win both games on Thursday to advance and they did just that. Southside-Selma went quietly as ACA bombed its opponent, 25-2, 25-7, 25-4. ACA served 39 aces as a team and A’Kirra McElveen set a new match record with 18 aces of her own. The second contest of the day was much tougher as the Lady Eagles squared off against Flomaton. ACA won the first two games, but the second was a struggle and Flomaton took the third game to extend the match. Alabama Christian closed it in four, 25-16, 25-23, 23-25, 25-22, to secure a spot at State.

Friday’s games would decide seeding for the remainig eight teams. Mobile Christian, who some say is the favorite to win the whole thing, was the day’s first opponent. The Leopards swept ACA in three straight to set up a consolation game against TR Miller. Neither team wanted to end the Regional with a loss and the two teams battled it out in a five game thriller. The teams swapped wins through the first four games to force a fifth. ACA won 19-17 in thrilling fashion in the final game for the victory.

The Eagles play Donoho on Wednesday, October 30th at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham.

ACA Enjoys Record Setting Night Against Slocomb

After tying the record for most points in a game with 64 last week against Wicksburg, the Eagles outdid themselves and hung 71 on Slocomb Friday night in a high scoring 71-38 contest. The victory coupled with a Wicksburg loss to Trinity, secured Alabama Christian a playoff spot for the ninth year in a row. Tyson Summers set a new record with nine extra points made on the night while David Ortiz-Ramirez tied Courtney Moss’ mark of five rushing touchdowns in a game, all in the first half. The senior back had a sixth to start the second half, but it was called back on a holding penalty. Without the running clock for the entire second half, there is no telling what other records might have been set.

Slocomb started the game with the ball and tried to throw on three consecutive plays. A third down sack by Micah Merritt put the Red Tops in a 4th and 25 predicament on their own 12-yard line. A good punt return by Jackson Burton gave the offense great field position on Slocomb’s 27-yard line. David Ortiz-Ramirez gave a glimpse of the kind of night he was about to have as he raced for a score on the first play of the drive (one carry, one touchdown) and a 7-0 lead less than two minutes into the game. The home team picked up a first down on its second drive, but could not sustain the drive. On fourth down, Slocomb lined up like they would go for it, but the quarterback punted out of the formation and almost had it blocked. The second drive was the AC Walters show as he moved the Eagles 58 yards in three plays on one rush and two receptions. At the Red Top 28-yard line, it was time for Ortiz-Ramirez again as he scored his second touchdown of the period (two carries, two touchdowns) to extend the lead to 14-0 midway through the first. The home team got on track in its third drive as they scored on a two-play, 74-yard drive to cut the score to 14-8 with 5:22 left in the quarter.

Despite the quick score by the offense, Slocomb still had no answer for the ACA offense and you know who, David Ortiz-Ramirez. On a 3rd and 4 from the Red Tops 43-yard line, the senior struck again (four carries, three touchdowns) as he outraced the defense for the touchdown and a 22-8 lead with still 3:49 left in the opening quarter. The game was getting the feel of a shootout as Slocomb scored on a long third down play to cut the lead to 22-14. If you thought the scoring was over for the first period with just 1:27 left, you would be wrong. That man struck again for a fourth time (five carries, four touchdowns) on a 53-yard jaunt on the second play of the possession to make the score 29-14 at the end of the first.

The action in the second period started just as frantically as the first had been. On the second play of the quarter, Ty’Darius Moore blocked another quarterback punt attempt and the ball was scooped up by Micah Merritt and returned 24 yards for a score and a 36-14 cushion. Not to be outdone, Slocomb scored on its first play of the next possession on a 75-yard run by the quarterback to make the score 36-22. Both teams had already scored in the quarter just 38 seconds in. Teilan Long’s 24 yard kick return set up ACA on Slocomb’s side of the field. On the second play of the drive Christian Snipes and AC Walters hooked up on a 34-yard touchdown pass for a 43-22 lead with 10:27 left in the half. As Slocomb faced a fourth down, they lined up in a more conventional punt formation, but decided to fake the punt and try for the first down. Micah Merritt chased the punter for what seemed like forever, but the pass fell incomplete to give the ball back to ACA. After a 17-yard pass to Walters, David Ortiz-Ramirez took center stage again. The back’s fifth touchdown of the night (six carries, five touchdowns) came from 39 yards out and gave the Eagles a 50-22 lead with 6:57 left in the half. The defense got the ball back quickly with a three and out, highlighted by a tackle for loss on third down by Micah Merritt. With a big lead, the offense throttled down and the Eagles marched to the Red Tops 21-yard line, but came up empty after a missed field goal. On the very next play, Levi Summers intercepted a pass to give the offense one last chance to score. Alabama Christian was unable to score on their final drive and went to the locker room with a 50-22 lead.

To the surprise of the fans, a running clock was agreed to for the entire second half. On the first play of the half, David Ortiz-Ramirez ran 50 yards for the apparent record breaking score, but a flag at the line of scrimmage squelched the moment. A holding call nullified the score and the record. Undeterred, the offense scored on the next play as Snipes to Walters struck again on a 60-yard score and a 57-22 lead. On the very next play for Slocomb, TJ Merritt stepped in front of a receiver for an interception and returned it 15 yards for a score that tied the school mark for most points in a game. Now, the question became would ACA score at least one more time with a running clock and a huge lead. The Eagles started to substitute freely at this point to allow some younger players some game experience. Slocomb drove the field and scored to cut the score to 64-30. The clock continued to run during the two-point conversion attempt by the home team. In fact, everytime the clock operator stopped it, the white hat would signal for him to keep it running.

ACA kept the ball on the ground with a steady dose of Ethan Dabney who gained 23 yards on four carries to set the ball on the Eagles 42-yard line. Teilan Long came in to spell Dabney on third down and help set the new scoring record as he went around right end on a 58-yard touchdown run and a 71-30 lead. With a game almost entirely of backups, Slocomb scored one last time with 3:32 left in the game for the final margin of 71-38. Because the clock ran during the conversion and before the kickoff, Alabama Christian only had to kneel one time in Victory formation before the final horn went off.

David Ortiz-Ramirez’s outstanding night was the highlight of the game as he finished with 197 yards on seven carries and five touchdowns. Teilan Long was the second leading rusher as he had 58 yards on one carry and a score. Christian Snipes was 10 of 16 for 198 yards and two touchdowns. His favorite receiver of the night was AC Walters who had 6 receptions for 172 yards and two scores. On defense, Jackson Burton and Levi Summers led with six tackles apiece. Mekhi Gardner finished with five tackles. Summer and TJ Merritt both had interceptions.

Alabama Christian takes on MA next week in the final home game of the regular season.

ACA Wins Area Championship with Victory Over Thorsby

Thorsby won the first game of the day in the Area tournament, but their prize was a match up against the host team, Alabama Christian. The Lady Eagles swept the visitors in three straight, 25-18, 25-17, 25-11, to win the program’s first Area crown since 2018. The title was Coach Amber Hogan’s first in her third season at the helm. Senior A’Kirra McElveen was named the MVP of the tournament while teammates Taegan Scott and Campbell Hammett were named to the All-Tournament team.

The Lady Rebels were able to keep the first two games close although the outcome never seemed in doubt. ACA was the more talented team and the Thorsby players dodged missiles hit at them from Scott, McElveen, Campbell, and Morgan Bond. In the third game, the Rebels led 5-3 before Gracie Page served nine consecutive points to take control. The Eagles cruised from there to the championship.

A’Kirra McElvenn led the team with eleven kills, nine digs, and two aces. Taegan Scott also had eleven kills followed by Campbell Hammett with seven. Kaylee Rudolph led the team with two aces and finished with 31 assists. Morgan Bond’s three blocks were a team high while Addison Smith tallied nine digs on the night.

Alabama Christian will advance to the Super Regionals next week with a chance to advance to the State tournament.

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.