Muskogee, OK- The two time CSFL Champion Arizona Christian football team opened the 2017 version of CSFL play on Saturday with a 35-7 win at Bacone.  Defense played a big part in the win as they allowed less than 350 yards of total offense.

The ACU defense forced a three and out to begin the game.  The offense took over at their own 47 and promptly marched 53 yards in 10 plays to get on the scoreboard.  Junior DeVonte Carter capped the drive with a two yard run right up the middle.  The extra point was blocked so ACU lead 6-0 with 7:44 showing on the first quarter clock.

On the next drive for the Warriors (0-3, 0-1 CSFL), they faced a third and one and Junior Zhi'irKane James stuffed a run attempt at the line of scrimmage to force another punt.

Fast forward to a drive for the Firestorm (2-0, 1-0 CSFL) that carried into the second quarter and Senior Ryan Esslinger completed five of six passes including an 18 yard touchdown to Senior Johnathan Parks who broke a tackle at the five to get into the end zone.  ACU went for two and Esslinger located Freshman Mark Wood all alone in the end zone to create a 14-0 edge.

With just 30 seconds remaining in the half, Wood found just enough room on the left side and punched in a touchdown from two yards out.  Junior Michael Corso converted the PAT for a 21-0 cushion.

After ACU punted to end their first possession of the second half, Senior Mike Crockett made a tackle to turn away another third down attempt by Bacone.

The Arizona Christian offense needed just six plays to cover 76 yards for a touchdown following the stop.  Esslinger connected with Junior Kendrick Murphy streaking down the left side line for a 55 yard touchdown to highlight the drive.

Senior Raji Christian stopped the next Warrior drive with a sack on fourth down.

Bacone found the scoreboard for the only time in the game with 17 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

Junior Adam Abbatacola ran right up the middle on a quarterback keeper from eight yards out to cap the scoring with 12 minutes left in the game.

On ensuing kickoff, Junior Reggie Love, Jr. forced a fumble on the return but the Warriors kept the ball.  However, six plays later Love secured the only turnover of the game when he intercepted a pass at the ACU 23 to eliminate any Bacone ideas of a comeback.

Senior Mitchell Carpenter (pictured) led the ACU defense with seven tackles (five solo) and two pass breakups.  Junior Trumaine Smith and Crockett added five tackles each.  Senior Jason Whitfield earned a sack.

Head Coach Jeff Bowen gave this quote, "This was a big road win for the firestorm.  Anytime you can travel all the way to Oklahoma and come away with a 35-7 victory is a plus for your team. I thought all three phases of the game were dominant. It started with our defense really controlling the line of scrimmage and getting the ball back to our offense.  Once again we were explosive in the passing game.  We controlled the game, the line of scrimmage, and all three phases.  We are excited to get back home and start getting ready for Wayland Baptist."

Indeed next up for the Firestorm is a meeting with Wayland Baptist.  Kickoff on Saturday is set for 7:00 pm at Shadow Mountain High School.