Phoenix, AZ- Thanks to flipping the script from the week prior, Arizona Christian capitalized on miscues by #22 Wayland Baptist to build an early lead and not look back on their way to a 45-35 win on Saturday night.  With the win, the Firestorm repeated as the Central States Football League champions.

The first three possessions of the night resulted in three punts.  The Firestorm (6-3, 5-0 CSFL) converted their second opportunity into seven points after going 81 yards on nine plays.  Senior Quinta Thomas capped the drive with a three yard run up the middle.  Junior Derek Brush tacked on his first of six extra points.

Five possessions turned punts later, ACU took advantage of a short field thanks to a 46 yard punt return by Sophomore Alan Freeman.  Junior Gerrit Groenewold rushed in from one yard out and ACU moved ahead 14-0.

Freshman Brent Clemons forced and recovered a fumble at the WBU 21.  Three plays later, the Firestorm were celebrating another TD- a reception by Senior Donovan Smith- and a 21 point lead.

After an exchange of fumbles, the Pioneers (7-2, 4-1 CSFL) drove 65 yards and used the first of four touchdown passes by Mitchell Parsley to get on the board.

Brush converted a 36 yard field goal to make the first half score 24-7 ACU.

ACU took their first drive of the second half 64 yards and built a 31-7 lead when Thomas busted in from one yard out.

WBU responded in a big way as they cashed in a 66 yard TD scamper by De'Sean Johnson.  A fumble on a punt return gave ACU another short field and Thomas ran for his third touchdown- this time of the 20 yard variety.  But the defense of the Pioneers used a perfectly time hit on catch attempt to result in a 72 yard interception.  One play later, Wayland Baptist made it a 38-20 contest which remained until the fourth quarter.

Brush pinned Wayland Baptist deep after a perfectly place punt went out of bounds at the four.  However, WBU countered with a 14 play, 96 yard touchdown march.

On the ensuing ACU drive, the Firestorm used the rouge of a field goal attempt to allow Junior Kyle Shipp to connect with Junior Tyler Dunken for an eight yard catch and run touchdown.

Not ready to surrender, WBU used another quick strike- a 67 yard Parsley to Devonte Hayden touchdown- to make the score 45-35 which became ultimately the final score.

While Parsley's 512 passing yards stand out, the Firestorm used a collective effort as they have all season to earn the win and repeat as CSFL champions.  Thirty different Firestorm recorded a tackle lead by Senior Quintin Riley with 7.5 tackles.  Clemons had a big game with a sack and forced/recovered fumble.  Junior Travon Richardson and Junior Malik Sawyer both recorded an interception.

Offensively, Groenewold spread his 236 passing yards out to 11 different receivers.  Thomas and Groenewold teamed with Sophomore Damario Fair and Junior Justin Carroll running the ball.

Despite already securing the CSFL crown, the Firestorm will probably need a big showing next Saturday against Bacone to keep their thoughts of NAIA postseason alive.  Kickoff against Bacone is scheduled for 2:00 pm at Shadow Mountain High School.