Rick Patrick
ECB Publishing, Inc.
When the Aucilla Christian Academy (ACA) Warriors traveled to Niceville to face the Knights of Rocky Bayou Christian School, they likely had a bit a revenge on their minds. Earlier in the season, the Knights had put a damper on the Warriors' Homecoming celebration with a 41-27 defeat on Friday, Oct. 8. It was the Knights' Homecoming game and the final game on the Warriors' regular season schedule on Friday, Oct. 29. However, it was the Warriors who would again taste the bitterness of defeat at the hands of the Knights, 42-20.
The Warriors fell behind early and the first quarter ended with the Knights in control, 21-0. The Warriors were able to get on the scoreboard during the second quarter, thanks to a pair of Jace Grant rushing touchdowns. The Knights answered with three more touchdowns of their own and the score was 42-14 when halftime rolled around. The Warriors were able to cut into the Knights lead when Grant found the end-zone from 15 yards out to put the score at 42-20, with approximately six minutes remaining in the third quarter. From that point on, both defensive units tightened and kept the opposing team out of the end-zone.
Grant once again proved himself to be a tough workhorse for the Warriors, tallying 178 yards on the ground on 14 carries and three touchdowns. This puts Grant over 1,000 yards rushing for the season in just seven games. Grant also had two pass receptions for 36 yards. Tripp Joyner went four-for-nine passing for 55 yards and one interception. Defensively, Ryan Adams had 10 tackles for the Warriors, while Aiden Day was good for nine tackles. Grant recorded eight tackles, including one tackle-for-loss.
Grant was named the Offensive Player of the Game for the Warriors. The Co-Defensive Players of the Game were Adams and Day. The Warrior of the Week was Josh Agner.
The Warriors finished their season with a 4-4 overall record. It remains to be seen if that record is sufficient to land the Warriors into the Class 2A football playoff tournament.