Phoenix, AZ- Down as many as ten twice, Arizona Christian football grinded out a 34-30 win against Southwestern Assemblies of God on Saturday night.  The Firestorm used a 20 point burst, an impressive defensive performance, and a trick play in the second half for the comeback victory.

Offensively, Junior Adam Abbatacola threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns. 

Defensively, the Firestorm held the Lions under 200 yards of total offense in the second half.

Game Info

• Game score: Arizona Christian 34, Southwestern Assemblies of God 30
• Records: Arizona Christian- 6-3, 4-3 SAC, Southwestern Assemblies of God - 5-5, 4-4 SAC
• NAIA Top 25 Rank: Arizona Christian – not ranked, Southwestern Assemblies of God – not ranked
• Location:  Shadow Mountain High School, Phoenix, AZ

Offensive Stars

• Adam Abbatacola – 18-34, 319 yards, three touchdowns, 2 interceptions
• Alan Freeman - 196 all-purpose yards (121 receiving yards, touchdown, one rushing touchdown)
• Alias Sturges - 7 catches, 84 yards
• Kendrick Murphy - receiving touchdown
• Nick Culp - receiving touchdown

Defensive Stars

• Domonic Mitchell - 8 tackles, 2 pass breakups
• Zhi'irKane James – 7 solo tackles, 4 pass breakups
• Joel Zurita – 7 tackles, interception on SAGU's final drive
• Diante Flowers – 5 tackles, sack, forced fumble
• Jaron Green - 4 tackles, sack, forced fumble, blocked kick

Inside The Numbers

• ACU outgained SAGU 498-468 including 243-191 in the second half
• Arizona Christian was 5 of 19 on third down but a perfect 3 of 3 on fourth down
• Down 24-14 at the half, ACU scored the first 20 points in the second half
• The Firestorm capped their scoring with a fake field goal turned 25 yard touchdown pass from Junior Emilio Araiza to Junior Jaron Green
• At halftime, Senior long snapper Spencer Sablan was named the homecoming king

Thoughts from Coach Bowen

"Great night for the Firestorm!  We did not give up on each other at half time down by ten points.  The defense played lights out in the second half and the offense came alive to give us a chance to win. Could not be more proud of our guys in their fight.  It is always a special night when you can win homecoming and send the seniors off with the win on senior night."

Up Next

The Firestorm will end their season on the road at Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas.  Kick-off on Saturday is set for 2:00 pm (Central)/1:00 pm (Arizona).