ACA celebrated Homecoming with a convincing 42-0 win over Bullock County. The Eagle fans and supporters were encouraged to wear pink as Alabama Christian recognized Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The football team surprised the home crowd as they donned pink jerseys to show their support of breast cancer fighters and survivors. The Eagles took control early and the outcome was never in doubt.
Thomas Stovall picks up yards after a catch.
Bullock County received the opening kickoff and threw caution to the wind early as they went for it on a 4th and 2 from their own 40 yard line. Jack Thomas and Donovan Emerson stopped the drive as they combined for a tackle behind the line of scrimmage to give the offense the ball at the Hornet 39 yard line. Two plays later, Thomas Stovall took a pitch around right end for a 28-yard touchdown and the rout was on. After a sack by Joshua Kreitz and a delay of game penalty, Bullock County faced a 4th and 19 as they readied to punt on their second drive. The snap sailed over the punter’s head and the defense tackled him on the Hornet nine yard line. Preston Hicks walked into the end zone on a two-yard receiver screen to stretch the lead to 14-0. Bullock County turned the ball over on downs on their first two possessions and the third time they had the ball a botched pitch on an option play turned into a Corey Landers fumble recovery. The Eagles would start on the Bullock County side of the field for the third straight drive, but were unable to score as they could not overcome a holding penalty. The Hornets last possession of the opening period ended in a punt for negative four yards to allow the offense to once again start in their opponent’s territory.
Trey Schlemmer brings down the Bullock County runner.
Alabama Christian gained no yards on the first three plays of the drive, but on a 4th and 10 from the 20 yard line, Hayes Hunt connected with Garrett Weathers as he got behind the defense for a 21-0 lead. The defense got the ball right back to the offense with a three and out who had their worst field position of the game starting at the 50 yard line. Corey Landers ran twice for 38 yards and Otasowie Dion finished the drive with a 12-yard run for a 28-0 cushion. Tyson Summers had been close to causing a turnover on kickoffs earlier in the half and this time he got it as Kayden Findley recovered the onsides kick for ACA. On the next play, the Eagles scored again as Hunt found Avery Stuart at the goal line on a 28-yard pass play. The Hornets picked up their first two first downs of the contest on their next drive, but turned the ball over on downs after Dion recorded a sack on fourth down. The offense could not muster another score in the last two minutes of the half and left the field with a 35-0 lead at the half.
Hayes Hunt looks for Garrett Weathers behind the defense.
Due to the big lead, the quarters were reduced to eight minutes for the second half which meant the half would not take long. Both teams only had the ball twice on offense over the final two quarters. ACA picked up a first down on its first drive, but punted the ball away with 4:15 left in the third quarter. Bullock County produced two first downs on their drive, but fumbled the ball away to end the possession. After one carry by Otasowie Dion, AC Walters came in and ran the ball on seven consecutive plays for 65 yards that ended with a 13-yard touchdown run. The defense subbed freely on the last drive for the Hornets and the backups kept Bullock County out of the end zone to preserve the shutout.
Donovan Emerson celebrates a tackle behind the line of scrimmage.
Donovan Emerson and Jack Thomas led the defense as both recorded seven tackles. Preston Hicks and Trey Schlemmer each had five tackles on the night. Emerson, Otasowie Dion and Joshua Kreitz each had a sack for the defense. Hayes Hunt finished the night 12 of 18 for 123 yards and three scores. Hicks led the receivers with four receptions for 27 yards and a touchdown while Avery Stuart, Garrett Weathers and Schlemmer each had two catches. AC Walters led the team in rushing with 65 yards on seven carries with a touchdown while Corey Landers had 58 yards on eight attempts.
Otasowie Dion takes the handoff on his way to the end zone.
Alabama Christian finishes the regular season with a Thursday night contest at MA on October 28th.