Phoenix, AZ- Arizona Christian versus Oklahoma Panhandle State lived up to the billing as the NAIA Football Game of the Week on Saturday night.  Unfortunately, a touchdown in the final minute proved to be the game winner as OPSU beat ACU 33-28.  Senior Ryan Esslinger threw for 411 yards in the loss.

The game started in great fashion for the Firestorm (5-2, 3-2 CSFL) as they scored on their first two possessions.  Esslinger found Junior Isaiah Huston from eight yards out and then hooked up with Junior Rick Smith for a 14 yard touchdown.  Senior Derek Brush was good on all four extra points on the evening.

But the Aggies (5-1, 4-0 CSFL) responded with the next 14 points to tie the game at 14-14.

ACU moved back ahead with an Esslinger to Junior Sam Ver Straten five yard strike.  Headed to the halftime locker rooms, Arizona Christian held the 21-14 edge.

Esslinger threw for 315 first half yards.  His 411 passing yards at the end of the game were the second highest single game total in ACU history.

After punting on their first drive of the second half, a fumble forced and recovered by Sophomore Brent Clemons gave ACU the ball back three plays later.  An eight play 47 yard drive was capped by Junior Alan Freeman using a stiff arm to gain the corner and then proceeded to bust in from eight yards out.

OPSU scored again just before the end of the third quarter for a 28-21 game headed to the fourth.

ACU just could not quite slow OPSU enough in the final quarter.  The Aggies converted three fourth down plays on their way to scoring their final two touchdowns including the last one with just 31 seconds remaining in the contest.

The Firestorm found themselves at the Panhandle 33 for one last play but Esslinger's pass was picked off in the end zone to end the game.

Esslinger spread the wealth as he completed passes to ten different guys.  Senior Tyler Dunken, Sophomore Alias Sturges, and Freeman all made six catches.  Junior Kendrick Murphy made five catches for a team high 94 yards.

Defensively, Senior Joshua Carter recorded a game leading 11 tackles and made a fumble recovery.  Senior Mitchell Carpenter also reached double digit tackles with ten.  Junior Trumaine Smith had a hand in nine tackles.

Head Coach Jeff Bowen said, "We couldn't ask for more from our guys, they played their hearts out. It's a tough loss, we'll regroup and get back at it on Monday. We'll get ready for another tough game in Oklahoma against Langston."

Next Saturday, the Firestorm will head to Langston, OK, for a matchup with Langston University.  Kick-off is set for 12:00 pm (Arizona Time)/ 2:00 pm (Central).