Plainview, TX- Known as a quick tempo offense, Arizona Christian pounded their way past Wayland Baptist 40-27 with running and possession in their SAC opener.  Sophomore Aidan Quinn ran for 158 yards and two touchdowns.  Defensively, ACU delivered an interception and five sacks.

Quinn averaged 6.1 yards per carry on 26 carries.  Freshman Tyler Duncan passed for 248 yards and a touchdown.  Freshman Nestor Higuera nailed four field goals and four extra points.

On the very first defensive play for the Firestorm, Freshman Anthony Nicastro picked off a pass and returned it 22 yards for the pick six interception to spark the defense. 

Game Info

• Game score: Arizona Christian 40, Wayland Baptist 27
• Records: Arizona Christian- 1-2, 1-0 SAC, Wayland Baptist- 1-2, 0-1 SAC
• NAIA Top 25 Rank: Arizona Christian – not ranked, Wayland Baptist – not ranked
• Location: Greg Sherwood Memorial Bulldog Stadium, Plainview, TX

Offensive Stars

• Tyler Duncan - 16-30, 248 passing yards, touchdown
• Jon Cole - 6 catches, 159 receiving yards, touchdown
• Aidan Quinn - 26 carries, 158 yards, 2 touchdowns
• Nestor Higuera - 4-5 field goals including two 49 yarders (number made and distance both ACU program records)

Defensive Stars

• Jacob Hernandez - 9 tackles
• Riley Tucker - 8 tackles
• Ryan Simpson - 5 tackles
• Jaron Green - 5 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 3 tackles for loss
• Dezmon Dean - 4 tackles
• Anthony Nicastro - interception

Inside The Numbers

• ACU jumped out to a 14-0 lead, WBU tied the game at 27-27, and ACU earned the win with a 13-0 run to close out game
• Firestorm outgained Pioneers 418-413 on ten less plays
• ACU held a 32:34-27:26 time of possession edge

Thoughts from Coach Bowen

"Proud of our guys and the way they responded today.  We challenged them before the game to raise their level of play and their intensity.  And they delivered.  Players made plays in all three phases of the game.  It is great to be 1-0 is league.  Now it's time to get ready for SAGU!"

Up Next

The Firestorm will return home to host SAGU next Saturday at Cactus High School at 7:00 pm.