Surprise, AZ- After leading most of the first two quarters, ACU gave up a touchdown just before the half that gave OUAZ all the momentum.  The Firestorm could not stop the Spirit in the second half.

Senior Kendrick Murphy was the main offensive bright spot as he pulled in a game high eight catches (including a couple with just one hand) and 191 yards with two touchdowns.  Senior Aaron Brown ran hard for 99 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, Senior Zhi'irKane James led with nine tackles.  Senior James Bagley had seven tackles and an interception.

Game Info

• Game score: Ottawa (AZ) 73, Arizona Christian 28
• Records: Arizona Christian- 5-1, 3-1 SAC, Ottawa (AZ)- 3-3, 2-3 SAC
• NAIA Top 25 Rank: Arizona Christian - 19, Ottawa (AZ) - not ranked
• Location:  Spirit Field, Surprise, AZ

Offensive Stars

• Kendrick Murphy - 8 catches, 191 yards, 2 touchdowns
• Aaron Brown - 15 carries, 99 rushing yards, 1 touchdown
• Adam Abbatacola - 252 yards passing, 2 touchdowns, 1 rushing touchdown

Defensive Stars

• Zhi'irKane James - 9 tackles (4 solo)
• James Bagley- 7 tackles, interception
• Joel Zurita - 6 tackles
• Domonic Mitchell - 6 tackles
• Dakota Jones - 5 tackles

Inside The Numbers

• After taking a 14-7 lead, ACU allowed 38 unanswered points
• OUAZ outgained ACU 638 to 419 after ACU held a 223-199 yardage edge at the break
• Including the last drive of the first half, the Spirit scored a touchdown on nine of their last 11 drives.

Thoughts from Coach Bowen

"Our second half was very poor in all areas.  Offensive execution and situational football was poor, defense gave up big plays, and special teams had trouble flipping the field.  As coaches, we have to put our guys in a better situation to be successful and they have to execute.  Ultimately, that's my job as the head coach, so this loss is on me."

Up Next

On Saturday, the Firestorm will be back home to host Langston.  Kick-off from Shadow Mountain High School will come at 7:00 pm (Arizona time).