Box Score Glendale, Ariz.- On Saturday, No. 24 Arizona Christian fired on all cylinders against Lyon College as they won 45-9. The offense spread the rock around as six different players ran the ball and nine different guys pulled down receptions. The defense forced four turnovers- three interceptions and one fumble recovery. Special teams were solid as usual.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Firestorm passed 42 times and ran 42 times. Junior Shea Morales completed 22-34 passes with Sophomore Trenton Olson leading in receiving yards. On the ground, Sophomore Cole Davis lead the way with two touchdowns.
Defensively, Sophomore Riley Tucker scored a defensive touchdown for the second game in a row with Saturday's coming in the form of a pic six interception. Junior Deonsaye Dean topped with 11 tackles.
Game Info
- Game score: Arizona Christian - 45, Lyon - 9
- Records: Arizona Christian- 7-1, 4-0 SAC, Lyon - 0-3, 0-3 SAC
- NAIA Top 25 Rank: Arizona Christian - 24, Lyon - not ranked
- Location: ACU Football Field, Arizona Christian University, Glendale, AZ
Offensive Stars
- Shea Morales- 22-34, 229 passing yards, touchdown, one rushing touchdown
- Sid Turnbull-Frazier- 5 catches, 36 yards
- Trenton Olson- 4 catches, 79 yards
- Derek Anderson- 4 catches, 77 yards
- Willie Cleveland- 4 catches, 40 yards, touchdown
- Cole Davis- 15 carries, 61 yards, 2 touchdowns
- Nestor Higuera, 6-6 on PATs, 1-1 on field goals
Defensive Stars
Inside The Numbers
- After a scoreless first quarter, Lyon scored first on a field goal
- ACU countered with 24 second quarter points and 45 consecutive points
- Cleveland and Davis (twice) found the endzone and Higuera nailed a field goal
- Less than two minutes into the second half, Riley jumped a route for the interception and raced 55 yards into the endzone
- With 87 seconds showing before the fourth, Morales called his own number and scored from a yard out
- Alex York finished the ACU scoring with a TD to cap a two play drive (a high snap on a punt attempt set up ACU at the three)
- The Scots found the end zone with 32 seconds left after a 16 play drive
- The Firestorm did not have one drive longer than 65 yards all game
- Despite the lopsided score, Lyon attempted just one less offensive play (84-83) and had possession almost four minutes longer.
- The only misfire for ACU was three lost fumbles (two of which came on their first three drives)
- Nine ACU seniors were honored before the final home game of the year
Thoughts from Coach Bowen
"For our team and especially our seniors for their last regular season game on Firestorm field. All the guys were able to contribute and played very well. Proud of our continued growth. The defense was lights out! The offense was very productive. Special teams are really starting to raise their game as well. It is a great time of year to be playing good football. We are excited to work on our next game in two weeks."
Up Next
The Firestorm will have a bye week next week before heading to Waxahachie, TX, to face SAGU on March 27. Besides the Firestorm, the Lions are the only other unbeaten team in SAC play.
