Glendale, Ariz.- Arizona Christian University Flag Football came up just short Saturday evening, falling 28–26 to Nevada State University on the ACU Football Field.  Nevada State entered the contest undefeated and had not allowed a single point in their previous six games before the Firestorm broke through early in the second quarter.

Arizona Christian struck first with a nine-play, 54-yard drive capped by a rushing touchdown from five yards by Seylah Childress and successful conversion from quarterback CC Maccagnano to Mikayla Navarro to take a 7–0 lead.  Nevada State answered, but the Firestorm reclaimed momentum before halftime with a touchdown reception for Shea Gonzalez from 13 yards out (Maccagnano- Navarro) to take a 14–7 lead into the break.

Gonzalez also recorded four tackles and an interception to be a leader on the defensive side of the ball.

The Scorpions (10-0) returned an interception for a touchdown on the first play of the third quarter to force a 14-14 tie.

Maccagnano connected with Aleena Tobar on a 60-yard touchdown pass to move back in front 20-14.

NSU scored on the first play of the fourth quarter for a 21-20 edge.

The Firestorm (2-3) continued to trade blows with the undefeated visitors, and a fourth-quarter 43-yard touchdown reception by Anelly Alba gave ACU a 26–21 lead with 9:42 remaining.

Nevada State responded with a late touchdown drive to regain the lead 28–26 with just over five minutes to play. Arizona Christian had one final opportunity but was unable to convert on its last possession.  Two missed one-point conversions proved to be the difference in the narrow defeat.
Maccagnano led the Firestorm offense with 328 passing yards and three touchdowns, while Tobar finished with 77 receiving yards and a touchdown, and Alba added 72 yards and a score.

Despite the loss, the Firestorm offense became the first team in weeks to break through against the Scorpions defense, putting up four touchdowns against a unit that had not surrendered a point in its previous six games.

Head Coach Michael Maccagnano commented, "I am incredibly proud of the love and commitment this team has for one another.  Tonight we faced a very tough opponent and were forced to overcome significant adversity that left us short-handed, yet the resilience and character of this group was on full display. Our players stepped up in unfamiliar roles, competed on both sides of the ball, and continued to play for each other until the final whistle."

Maccagnano added, "Sometimes the true measure of a team goes far beyond what the scoreboard reflects.  While the final result was not what we wanted, the heart, toughness, and unity our team showed tonight speaks volumes about who they are and what this program represents."

"We have an important challenge ahead of us next week, and we look forward to the opportunity to respond and continue competing for position in conference play."
 
On Wednesday, the Firestorm will have another first as they will play two games in the same day against their California GSAC foes.  Arizona Christian will play both Hope International and Simpson (CA) on Wednesday before host La Sierra on Thursday in Riverside.