Surprise, Ariz.- In their 2023 season opener, Arizona Christian came out flat and never really got in a complete rhythm.

Martin Fontenot IV made his presence felt in his Firestorm debut as he banged out a 64 yard punt (tied for third longest in ACU history) and put three punts inside the 20.  Jarrod Favors hauled in a touchdown in his ACU debut.

Defensively, Cameron Tibbetts made his presence felt with 11 tackles in his first ACU game.  Griffin Meier secured the first interception of the season for the Firestorm.

Game Info

• Game score: OUAZ - 37, Arizona Christian - 7
• Records: Arizona Christian- 0-1, OUAZ - 1-0
• NAIA Top 25 Rank: Arizona Christian - RV, OUAZ - 17
• Location:  Spirit Field, OUAZ, Surprise, AZ

Offensive Stars

• Tyler Duncan - 169 passing yards, TD
• Favors - TD
• AJ Sibley - 71 yards receiving
• Fontenot - averaged 43 yards per punt, two for 50 or more yards

Defensive Stars

• Tibbetts - 11 tackles
• Jordan Francis - 9 tackles
• Meier - 7 tackles, interception
• Jackson Ortiz - 6 tackles

Inside The Numbers

• OUAZ scored on their first three possessions and ACU was in catch up mode
• The best drive for the Firestorm covered 92 yards in just five plays
• Duncan connected with Sibley on back-to-back plays for 63 yards including a 49 yard catch and run
• On the next play, Duncan found a wide open Favors in the right side of the end zone for a TD

Thoughts from Coach Bowen
"Unfortunately, we did not play well in any phase of the game.  Will go back to work next week, fix the things that need to be fixed, and get ready for Fort Lewis."

Up Next
After a bye week, the Firestorm will host their home opener on September 9 when Fort Lewis arrives in Glendale.  Kickoff will be at 7:00 pm.