Glendale, AZ. - Arizona Christian University dominated in a 71-27 victory over Simpson University (CA) on senior day. The Firestorm were fueled by a record-setting rushing performance from
Jon Wilson and an explosive offensive showing. Wilson had a career day, rushing for 261 yards and four touchdowns on just 13 carries, averaging an astounding 20.1 yards per attempt. His touchdowns included runs of 60 and 93 yards, highlighting his big-play ability throughout the game. Wilson was amazing, setting two records in one game. The record for the most net yards with 261 and the highest average per rush with 20.077.
The 2024 Firestorm offense also set two records for the most rushing yards with 424 yards and the all purpose yards in a game with 894 yards. The offense also tied the record for the most rushing touchdowns with 7. The offensive line proved their dominance today and most of the offensive players are freshmen.
The Firestorm's ground game was virtually unstoppable, amassing 424 rushing yards on 51 attempts (8.3 yards per carry) with seven rushing touchdowns. While Wilson led the charge, six other ACU runners contributed to the rushing attack, including scoring runs from Spencer Cox,
Andrew Trapp, and
Apu Alfiche.
Through the air, quarterback Beau Devens was efficient, completing 8 of 11 passes for 203 yards and two touchdowns. His scoring strikes went to
Nick Pine and
Jonah Leon as part of a balanced offensive attack that generated 659 total yards.
Special teams also contributed to the scoring outburst, with Tre Brown returning a kickoff 86 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Brown also led all receivers with 119 yards on three catches.
Defensively, Griffin Meier and
Chance Mapa led the team with six tackles each, while
Jordan Francis broke up three passes. The defense held Simpson to just 112 rushing yards and forced a safety in the fourth quarter.
The Firestorm scored in every quarter, including 35 points in the first half and a 22-point fourth quarter to seal the victory, sending the seniors out on a great note. After the game, the best win was when Jace Deming, Alfiche,
Vili Fetapai,
Taitafe Leifi,
Mauricio Valles got baptized in front of the Firestorm friends and family. Now that's what I call a great victory.
Offensive Stars
- Devens - 8-11, 203 passing yards, 2 TD
- Wilson - 13-261 rushing yards, 4 TD, 2-14 receiving yards
- Brown - 3-119 receiving yards
- Alfiche - 10-35 receiving yards, 1 TD
- Brady Ferris - 4-37 rushing yards
Defensive Stars
- Travis Combs - 4 solo tackles, 1 PBU
- Meier - 4 solo tackles, 2 assist tackles, 1 TFL, 1 PBU for 1 yard
- Francis - 3 solo tackles, 3 PBU
- Mapa - s solo tackles, 3 assist tackles
- Cameron Tibbetts - 1 solo tackle, 3 assist tackles
Thoughts From Coach Bowen
"It was a great day for the Firestorm. It was awesome to send the seniors out with the win. This class athletes have done a lot for the football program. For underclassmen it's a great start for the 25 season, a lot of positive stuff to build on."
Roll Storm!
