Despite the rainy conditions and the opponent, it turned out to be a pleasant night for football. In fact, after enduring 100 plus degree temperatures last week, the 77 degree reading at kickoff felt downright chilly. ACA struck quickly twice in the first half, but in the end the Knights were just too strong. Catholic cruised to a 49-12 victory over the Eagles.
Alabama Christian received the opening kickoff and although they did not score, they took over four minutes off the clock and pinned Catholic on their own 13 yard line after a 48 yard punt. AC Walters converted a 3rd and 10 with a 14 yard scramble to highlight the series. Two late hits on the drive could have been called on the drive, but neither were. Jackson Burton booted an effective punt to end the series as the Catholic return man decided to let the ball go and not catch it. Lane Smith and William Milner’s tackles on first and second down set up a third down incompletion to force a Catholic punt. The kick was shanked to the right and went only 14 yards to set up the offense at the Knight’s 25 yard line. On the next play, Walters kept the ball and darted up the middle for a touchdown, stunning the home crowd. The extra point was blocked, but midway through the opening period, ACA led 6-0. However, as good teams will do, the Knights responded quickly and took the lead just 59 seconds later. Catholic scored again before the end of the period for a 14-6 lead at the end of one.
Catholic extended the lead in the second quarter with a nine play, 56 yard drive for a 21-6 cushion. Once again, ACA scored on a one play drive as David Ortiz-Ramirez took the hand off and raced 83 yards for a touchdown to cut the lead to 21-12 with 7:37 left in the second. Just like the first quarter, Catholic responded with two more scores before the half and took a 35-12 lead into the locker room.
Catholic scored in just three plays to start the third period and then the game moved rapidly as the clock ran due to the 30 point lead by the Knights. ACA would possess the ball three times in the half and was never a serious threat to score. The Catholic backups would add the final score with 2:47 left for the final 49-12 margin.
David Ortiz-Ramirez was the team’s leading rusher with 95 yards on 11 carries and a touchdown. AC Walters carried the ball 12 times for 24 yards with a score and completed both of his pass attempts for 14 yards. Bryant Swindle and Jackson Burton had the team’s two receptions. On defense, William Milner led the team with six tackles while Lane Smith added five. Jaylan McCovery, Darrius Gardner and William Meeks each finished with four tackles.