Fort Worth, TX- Season highs in rushing and takeaways sent Arizona Christian past Texas Wesleyan 45-35 on Saturday afternoon.  The Firestorm amassed 274 yards on the ground and forced six turnovers including a program single game record four interceptions.

Freshman Tyler Duncan accounted for 235 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns.  Sophomore Aidan Quinn was a workhorse with 118 rushing yards on 25 carries and two touchdowns.

Defensively, Sophomore Deonsaye Dean topped with eight tackles.  Freshman Riley Tucker had five tackles but also recorded two of the interceptions.

Game Info

• Game score: Arizona Christian 45, Texas Wesleyan 35
• Records: Arizona Christian- 4-4, 4-2 SAC, Texas Wesleyan – 2-7, 2-5 SAC
• NAIA Top 25 Rank: Arizona Christian- not ranked, Texas Wesleyan – not ranked
• Location: Farrington Field, Fort Worth, TX

Offensive Stars

• Tyler Duncan - 15-29, 147 passing yards, touchdown, 88 rushing yards, touchdown
• Aidan Quinn - 118 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns
• Isaiah Banks - 61 rushing yards, 20.3 yards per carry, touchdown
• Malik Patterson - 63 receiving yards, touchdown

Defensive Stars

• Deonsaye Dean - 8 tackles
• Riley Tucker- 5 tackles, 2 interceptions
• Ryan Simpson - 5 tackles, forced fumble, fumble recovery
• Isaac Gilliam - 5 tackles
• Dezmon Dean - 5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss

Inside The Numbers

• Down 7-0, ACU scored two touchdowns on back-to-back drives started by interceptions
• The Rams held a 14-13 edge at the half
• After falling behind 21-13 40 seconds into the second half, the Firestorm countered with 25 straight points to move ahead for good
• ACU cashed in 31 points off turnovers
• The Firestorm won the turnover battle 6-1

Thoughts from Coach Bowen

"We are proud of the way our guys were able to stay in the game.  When we went down by eight points in the third quarter we could have cashed it in.  But the guys battled back to a 17 point lead. And then control the game the rest of the way for the win.  The offensive line really controlled their defense and was able to run the ball.  The defense came up with some big turnovers. And special teams came through throughout the evening."

Up Next

Next Saturday, the Firestorm will be on the road again as they head to Batesville, AR, for a show down with Lyon.  Kick-off is set for 2:00 pm/ 1:00 pm (Arizona).