Phoenix, AZ- With the beginning of Central States Football League action, Arizona Christian was hoping to make a statement about defending their CSFL title.  On Saturday, ACU did just that as they defeated Langston 34-10 thanks in large part to a couple of big play touchdowns.

Just two plays into the game, Senior Timothy Clayton forced a fumble that Junior Joshua Carter pounced on for the recovery.

After the Firestorm (2-2, 1-0 CSFL) went three and out and held off a ten play effort from the Lions (2-2, 0-1 CSFL), ACU faced a third and seven.  Junior Gerrit Groenewold flung a pass into the flat for Junior Justin Carroll who after bouncing off a few would be tacklers turned a short gain into a 71 yard burst down the right sideline.

Carter recovered his second fumble of the quarter to set up the second scoring drive.  Groenewold connected with Junior Tyler Dunken for a quick hitter 34 yard gain up to the ACU 49.  On the very next play, Groenewold found Senior Quinta Thomas who motored his way for a 51 yard touchdown.

Langston used a field goal to get on the board.  On the strength of a little razzle-dazzle, ACU cashed in their third touchdown with one second remaining in the half when they used a reserve to send Groenewold into the end zone who made a juggling circus catch while looking into the sun.

Carroll capped a 12 play opening drive of the second half when he found the end zone from three yards out.

The Lions answered with a 75 play touchdown drive to climb within 28-10.   But in the fourth, Arizona Christian milked 6:35 off the clock as Junior Ryan Esslinger punched in a one yard QB keeper to ice the game.

Groenewold ended his day with 324 yards passing and three overall touchdowns.  Carroll wound up with 159 combined receiving and rushing yards and two touchdowns for the game.

Defensively, the Firestorm produced four sacks (Seniors Will Johnson and Kori Hurd, Juniors Coleman Griffith and Chris Oatman, and Sophomore Austin Niziolek were all in that mix), 10 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, and two interceptions by Sophomore Reggie Love, Jr. and Senior Gary Stevenson.

Next Saturday, the Firestorm will find themselves back on the road as they travel to Southwestern Assemblies of God in Waxahachie, TX.  Kickoff is set for 9:00 am Arizona Time or 11:00 am Central Time.