Helena, Mont.- Hitting the road for the first time in Frontier Conference action, Arizona Christian University controlled NAIA ranked No. 10 Carroll College in most aspects of the game but the scoreboard- falling 35-20. The Firestorm dominated the Fightin' Saints in number of offensive plays (81-48) and time of possession (35:46-24:14) while out-producing in total offense (323-251).
Running a season high of 81 plays, Arizona Christian used long drives to find the scoreboard with three 11 or more play scoring drives and an eight play sequence. Tyler Duncan attempted 51 passes (fifth most individually in an ACU game) while running the rock ten times.
Defensively, Griffin Meier paced the Firestorm with seven tackles. Erick Ibochwa, Moses Smith, and Ben Strawn all recorded sacks.
Game Info
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Game score: Carroll 35, Arizona Christian - 20
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Records: Arizona Christian- 2-2, 1-1, Carroll - 4-0, 2-0 Frontier
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NAIA Top 25 Rank: Arizona Christian - not ranked, Carroll- 10
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Location: Nelson Stadium, Carroll College, Helena, MT
Offensive Stars
Defensive Stars
Inside The Numbers
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On the first play from scrimmage, Carroll completed a pass but Francis forced and recovered a fumble
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Aided by a roughing the punter penalty, ACU turned the turnover into a 17 play drive capped by a field goal from Abiel Lepe- his first of the season
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After the Saints scored on their next possession, the Firestorm scored on the first play of the second quarter (Davenport forced his way in from a yard out)
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Carroll score the next two TDs to close the half up 21-10
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A Duncan-to-Gilbert TD completed an 11 play drive to open the second half
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The ACU defense used a sack from Strawn to force a three and out
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Johnny Herrera returned the ensuing punt to the Carroll 40
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Lepe converted his second field goal to make the score 21-20 Carroll
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But turning the page to the fourth quarter, Carroll scored a rushing touchdown and three plays later returned a pick six for the final points
Thoughts from Coach Bowen
"There are no moral victories, but the Firestorm showed we can play with the best in the Frontier. I was proud of our effort. We dominated the game in a lot of facets. Now we fix a few things and continue to get better. I really cannot wait to get back on the field with our guys next week."
Up Next
Arizona Christian will hit the road for the only back-to-back time this season when they head to Eastern Oregon next Saturday. Kick-off will come at 1:00 pm from La Grande, OR.
