Langston, OK- Arizona Christian mounted a late fourth comeback that included a long stoppage due to weather mixed in but came up just short 21-20 at #8 Langston.  Senior Justin Carroll lead the ground attack highlighted a 25 touchdown run.  Junior Austin Schleier recorded a game high 12 tackles.

The opening quarter was defensive slug fest as the teams combined to gain just 71 total offensive yards.  Senior Robert Harding III backed the ACU defensive effort with his first interception of the season.

In the second quarter, the Lions (7-0, 5-0 CSFL) cashed in 14 points thanks to the arm and then the legs of Jaylen Lowe.  Langston held the 14-0 lead at the break.

However, Lowe was up to his old tricks as he ran in the third TD for Langston on their first possession of the second half.  The ACU defense clamped down from there and did not allow another point in the final 26 plus minutes.

The offense responded with a ten play drive covering 65 yards and found the scoreboard when Senior Ryan Esslinger connected with Senior Johnathan Parks from eight yards out.

Five minutes later, Carroll carried the rock to the house from 25 yards out to make the game a single touchdown differential.

After the defenses controlled the game again, the Firestorm (5-3, 3-3 CSFL) were given one last opportunity for the tie as they obtained possession at their own 20 with 2:43 to play.  However, just after the drive started, the weather decided to make a statement as a 45 minute plus rain delay took place. 

But even after the delay, ACU marched down the field and scored when Esslinger found Junior Rick Smith from 18 yards out for a touchdown to make it 21-20 with 17 seconds to play.  Needing just an extra point to almost certainly force overtime, a bad snap forced the kick attempt into a two point scramble that was denied.

Langston recovered the onside kick and used one snap to run the clock out.

Offensively, Esslinger ended his day 27-46 passing with two touchdowns.  Junior Isaiah Huston made six catches for 66 yards.  Smith finished up with five catches for 51 yards and the TD.  Carroll accounted for 90 yards on 14 carries.

Behind Schleier's 12 tackles, Senior Joshua Carter made seven tackles with a fumble recovery.  Harding added six tackles to his interception.  Senior Bryton Green recorded the ACU sack.  Senior Mike Crockett recovered a fumble.

On Saturday, the Firestorm will host Texas College at Shadow Mountain High School with 7:00 pm listed as the start time.  The ACU seniors will be honored before the game and the Homecoming King and Queen will be announced during halftime.