ACA Stumbles Against Northridge In Overtime Thriller

TUSCALOOSA, AL - Friday, August 30, American Christian Academy Patriots fall to 0-2 after giving up a 2-possession lead in overtime to the Northridge Jaguars at home.

ACA struck first in this matchup when Northridge's senior Quarterback, Rowdy Christensen, threw his first interception of the game, which was returned for a touchdown by the Patriot's senior defensive back, Eric Hines. After a successful PAT, the Patriots had a 7-0 lead with under 12 minutes left in the first quarter.

Get our free mobile app

The game appeared to come to a standstill for the remainder of the half, with neither team's offense making any progress and both teams recording multiple three-and-outs. ACA led 7-0 at halftime, with both teams' defenses playing exceptionally well, allowing no offensive touchdowns in the first half.

The third quarter began with ACA's Senior Quarterback connecting on a swing route to Sophomore Wide Receiver Logan Morris, who carried it 75 yards to the endzone. With 10:35 left in the third quarter after a successful PAT, the Patriots led the Jaguars by a comfortable 14-0 margin.

Northridge was not going down without a fight, as seen by a five-minute drive carried out primarily on the ground by the Jaguars' powerful running back corps, which includes Junior Jaylin McCray and Senior Jacob Hall. Hall completed the drive with a one-yard rush into the endzone, and after a successful PAT, the Jaguars trimmed their deficit to one possession with 5:38 remaining in the third quarter.

Both teams struggled to move the ball in the fourth quarter until Northridge put together an 80-yard drive that had fans on the edge of their seats, with Jaguars quarterback Rowdy Christensen connecting with fellow wide receiver Colin Kapilovic for a 30-yard gain that moved the Jaguars into Patriots territory.

The Jaguars maintained their composure throughout the drive, including a crucial 4th down conversion when Christensen connected with Junior Wide Receiver Grayson Cannon on a 5-yard dart. A few plays later, Jaguars Junior Running Back Jaylin McCray rushed into the endzone on a three-yard gain, and after a successful PAT, the Jaguars tied the game at 14 with 2:48 remaining in regulation.

ACA tried for the win in a last-minute drive that ended with a missed 43-yard field goal, forcing overtime, where the Jaguars' defense came up big. To begin overtime, ACA had the ball first and began their drive from their 10-yard line.

The Patriots quickly found themselves facing directly at the endzone, with only a yard separating them and six points. Northridge's defense stayed firm, forming a brick wall and denying Hines access to the endzone four times, the most notable of which was on fourth down at the Jaguars' one-yard line, when they met Hines up top and forced him back, resulting in a turnover on downs.

On fourth and 11 at ACA's 11-yard line, Northridge called on Senior Kicker Caleb Scofield to complete the second-half comeback. The destiny of the Jaguars rested on Scofield, who lined up and kicked a spectacular 21-yard field goal to give Northridge the victory.

Player of the Game

Northridge's defense deserves to be named player of the game in this clash. The defensive unit played well throughout the game, surrendering only one offensive touchdown. Even when it appeared that their offense was hopeless, the defense hung in there and kept them in the game till the end.

Another reason is that this team made the right plays when it counted, including a vital goal-line stand that helped Northridge win the game.

ACA struggled early in the season, losing their first two games. This team is talented and has a lot of potential once they figure out their offensive identity.

Their defense is excellent, and if combined with a strong offense, this squad has the potential to be frightening. With the Patriots, only time will tell, as the season is still early.

American Christian Academy (0-2) will face the 5A West Blockton Tigers (1-1) at home next Friday, September 6, where the Patriots will look to pick up their first win of the season.

Northridge (2-0) will look to build off of this win as they will face the 6A Mcadory YellowJackets (1-1) at Mcadory High School next Friday, September 6, where the Jaguars will look to add another win and remain undefeated.