Whittier, CA- Playing in California for the first time since 2014, Arizona Christian rolled 56-38 over host Whittier College on Saturday.  Senior Ryan Esslinger threw for 285 yards and three touchdowns.  Senior Jared Landseadel returned an interception for a touchdown.

With about 35% of the ACU roster coming from the golden state (60% of their roster comes from Arizona), the Firestorm (4-0) were excited to get a chance to play in front of their CA family and friends.  Esslinger and Senior Derek Brush, who both went to high school at Whittier Christian HS, actually played their home WCHS games on the Whittier College field.  Ironically, some of the coaches, like Head Coach Jeff Bowen, also participated in training camps at previous coaching stops that were held on the Poet campus.

After forcing a three and out to begin the game, the Firestorm used a five yard touchdown run from Sophomore Mark Wood to cap an 11 play 69 yard opening drive.  Brush nailed his first of eight extra points to give ACU a 7-0 edge.

The Poets (0-2) converted the equalizer following the first Arizona Christian turnover of the season (interception).

Using a drive that closed out the first quarter, Junior DeVonte Carter found the end zone 90 seconds into the second quarter for a 14-7 lead.  The Firestorm maintained their top score for the rest of the game.

Following a Poet field goal, Esslinger connected with Junior Isaiah Huston for a 49 touchdown pass.  The next Arizona Christian drive saw Esslinger toss a 33 yard TD to Senior Tyler Dunken.

Whittier scored a touchdown to make the game 28-17 and it appeared that would be the half time score.  However, on the final play of the first half, Junior Zhi'irKane James flew off the edge to put a hit on the WC quarterback as he was throwing causing the ball to go right to Landseadel who returned the interception 42 yards to the house for a 35-17 ACU advantage.

To start the second half, the Firestorm marched 75 yards in eight plays for another touchdown.  Senior Justin Carroll did the honors from 10 yards out which included trucking a Whittier defender at the one.

Senior Jason Whitfield blocked a field goal attempt to end the next Whittier possession.

Esslinger threw his third touchdown of the game to Senior Dajon Staton from 16 yards out.

Whittier scored early in the fourth and then added another touchdown following a fumble lost by the Firestorm.

Junior Alan Freeman returned a punt 59 yards to the Whittier eight.  Three plays later, Sophomore Adam Abbatacola hooked up with Senior Johnathan Parks for the final ACU touchdown of the night.

Junior Austin Schleier lead the defensive effort with seven tackles including 2.5 tackles for loss.  Senior Quintin Riley delivered five tackles.  Junior Diante Flowers produced a six yard sack.

Coach Bowen said, "We are happy to be 4-0.  We also know as a team we can play a lot better.  We are excited and up to the challenge and also excited about the best start in school history."

On Saturday, the Firestorm will return to CSFL play for the remainder of the regular season as they travel to SAGU in Waxahachie, TX.  Kick-off is slated for 2:00 pm Central time/ 12:00 pm Arizona time.