For the second year in a row, ACA opened the season with a Thursday night loss to Trinity. The game was a bit of a throwback as the two defenses dominated the contest. Neither team gained more than 200 yards from scrimmage or scored a touchdown, but the Wildcats two field goals proved to be the difference in the 6-0 win over Alabama Christian. First year coach Michael Summers can be pleased with his defense as they showed considerable improvement from last year. However, the offense is a concern as the Eagles managed just 93 yards of offense on the night.
The offense started the night with their biggest play of the game as Corey Landers gained 17 yards on a run around left end. Unfortunately, the unit produced only two more first downs in the half. The defense stopped the Wildcats on four of their five first half possessions allowing just a 23 yard field goal with 1:16 left in the half. The defense did well to allow only the three points as the drive started on their own 23 yard line. The only offensive threat of the half for the Eagles was a nine-play 35 yard drive that ended with a failed fourth down attempt at the Wildcat 39 yard line.
DeAndre Sneed intercepted a Wildcat pass on the second play of the second half to set up the Eagles inside their opponent’s territory. ACA picked up a first down, but stalled on the 21 yard line as they gave the ball up on downs. The next possession started just inside Trinity’s side of the field and again the offense drove down to the Wildcat 18 yard line. The Eagles attempted to tie the game with a 34 yard field goal with 8:30 left in the game, but a high snap threw off the timing and the kick was blocked. Alabama Christian caught a break as a Trinity defender covered the deflected ball at the 4 yard line which backed up the offense. The defense again forced a punt and the offense got the ball at midfield, but could do nothing with it and punted the ball away. Trinity extended its lead to 6-0 with a 32 yard field goal with 1:53 remaining in the game. The Eagles last chance with the ball came up empty and Trinity was able to run the clock out for the win.
Jack Thomas led the defense with nine tackles and a sack while Trey Schlemmer added eight tackles. Gerrod Green, DeAndre Sneed and Avery Stuart each contributed five tackles on the night. Sneed also caught three passes for 20 yards while Preston Hicks had four catches for 14 yards. Corey Landers was the team’s leading rusher with 29 yards while Hayes Hunt finished 8 of 16 for 34 yards through the air.
ACA will host Highland Home next Friday night in their home opener.