Win or lose, the final regular season game of the year was a tall task for the Eagles of ACA, especially heading into the playoffs. Long-time rival MA entered the game undefeated and ranked sixth in the ASWA 3A state poll. For only the second time this year, ACA suffered a loss as they fell to MA by a score of 31-7. The Eagles two losses this season came on Thursday nights while they won all eight contests played on Friday nights.
After both teams traded punts on their first possessions, MA drove 84 yards on seven plays and took a 7-0 lead with 7:06 remaining in the first quarter. ACA responded with its best drive of the game as the home standing Eagles marched 73 yards on 13 plays and tied the game 7-7. Alabama Christian converted a third down and two fourth downs on the drive and scored on the second fourth down conversion as Hayes Hunt hit Jalen Clark on a throwback to the quarterback that covered 28 yards. The two teams headed to the second quarter tied 7-7.
MA scored less than a minute into the second quarter to stretch the lead to 14-7. The Eagles responded again by holding the ball for over seven minutes, but were unable to score and turned the ball over on downs after failing to convert a 4th and 19 from the 20 yard line. MA took full advantage of the momentum and scored three plays later to take a 21-7 lead into the half.
ACA could not regain any momentum in the second half as their four drives in the half ended with two interceptions and two punts. MA added two scores and were able to play many players in the second half. The defense had two sacks in the half, one each by Otasowie Dion and Donovan Emerson, and Grant Sutton recovered a fumble in the fourth quarter. MA ran off the final 2:21 of the game in Victory formation to take home a 31-7 win.
Miller McCarthy led the defense with 10 tackles while Corey Landers and Avery Stuart each had five tackles. Otasowie Dion added four tackles and a sack with Trey Schlemmer contributing four tackles. Jalen Clark ended the night 10 for 27 with 143 yards and two interceptions, ran for 63 yards on 13 carries and caught a 28 yard touchdown pass from Hayes Hunt. Preston Hicks led the receivers with four receptions for 80 yards while Corey Landers had three receptions for 22 yards and Hayes Hunt had two catches for 36 yards.
Next Friday, November 6th, ACA opens the playoffs as they host West Blocton in the first round.