Waxahachie, Texas- For the sixth meeting in a row Arizona Christian defeated SAGU by one score or less as the Firestorm held off the Lions 28-20 on Saturday.  The leg of Nestor Higuera accounted for 16 of ACU's points highlighted by nailing a school record five field goals.

Offensively, Derek Anderson led the team in receptions, receiving yards, and tied for touchdown catches.  Tyler Duncan and Quinn Commans combined for 301 passing yards to eight different receivers.

For the second game in a row, Jake Farrell led the defensive resistance with nine tackles.  Jordan Francis and Riley Tucker both recorded interceptions.

Game Info

• Game score: Arizona Christian - 28, SAGU - 20
• Records: Arizona Christian- 2-2, 1-2 SAC, SAGU - 1-2, 1-2 SAC
• NAIA Top 25 Rank: Arizona Christian - not ranked, SAGU- Not ranked
• Location:  Lumpkins Field, Waxahachie High School, Waxahachie, TX

Offensive Stars

• Higuera - 5-5 field goals, 1-1 PAT
• Duncan - 14-29, 206 passing yards, 2 TDs
• Commans - 7-20 passing, 95 passing yards
• Anderson- 5 catches, 102 receiving yards, TD
• Zaachary Cullop - 4 catches, 54 yards
• Damien Jones - 2 catches, 51 yards
• Jonah Leon – 2 catches, 45 yards, TD

Defensive Stars

• Farrell - 9 tackles, 3 tackles for loss
• Francis - 6 tackles, interception
• Jalyn Mitchell - 5 tackles, forced fumble, 2 pass breakups
• Tucker- 4 tackles, interception
• Moses Smith - 4 tackles, sack
• Ben Strawn - sack, forced/recovered fumble

Inside The Numbers

• Neither team produced points in the first quarter
• Just 98 seconds into the second quarter, Higuera converted his first field goal of the afternoon
• A strip sack and fumble recovery by Strawn resulted in Higuera's second field goal
• The ensuing possession for the Lions culminated in a touchdown- their only lead of the day
• Duncan and Anderson connected from 45 yards out to send ACU back in front
• The final drive of the half for ACU was kept alive by a roughing the punter penalty
• The Firestorm capitalized with Duncan moving away from pressure and connecting a nice catch and run touchdown with Leon
• ACU started the second half with a 16 play in 7:36 drive that Higuera finished off with his third field goal
• Two SAGU touchdowns were sandwiched another Higuera field goal as the Lions climbed within five
• A two-yard punt by the Lions put the Firestorm in immediate field goal range as Higuera set the school record with field goal number five
• On the potential game tying drive for SAGU, the Firestorm forced four straight incomplete passes to seal the deal

Thoughts from Coach Bowen

"Very proud of our team, and the bounce back win against a very good SAGU team.  Our guys played extremely hard in all phases of the game.  Defensively, we did a great job of limiting their big play capability for most of the game.  Offensively, we were very opportunistic in scoring 28 points.  Higuera was huge in special teams going 5-5 on field goals.  Just a great team win!"

Up Next

Following three weeks on the row, Arizona Christian will return home to host crosstown rival OUAZ on Saturday.  Kick-off from Firestorm Football Field will come at 7:00 pm.