Rick Patrick
ECB Publishing, Inc.
In a “Clash of the Warriors” on Friday, Oct. 15, the Aucilla Christian Academy (ACA) Warriors were defeated, 22-20, by the Warriors of Harvest Community School, in Jacksonville. With the loss, ACA's record drops to 4-3.
The contest began with ACA opening a 6-0 by the end of the first period. Both defenses were able to shut the opposing offense during the second period, and the score was still 6-0, going into halftime. In the third period, ACA was able to build on their lead with a pair of touchdowns, taking a 20-8 lead into the final period. Then, ill-timed injuries hampered ACA and helped Harvest Community score 14 unanswered points; utilizing the legs of their talented, dual-threat quarterback.
Tripp Joyner went seven-for-12 passing for 155 yards, including a 72-yard touchdown connection with Jace Grant. Joyner also rushed the ball seven times with one rushing touchdown. Grant had 16 carries for 93 yards, including one rushing touchdown. On the defensive side of the ball, Grant recorded 11 tackles, with one sack and one tackle-for-loss (TFL) and one pass break-up. Dakota Hagan tallied 11 tackles for ACA. Josh Agner was good for nine tackles, with one TFL. Grant was named the Offensive Player of the Week. Agner took Defensive Player of the Week honors. Aiden Gray was named the Warrior of the Week for ACA.
Next on the agenda for the ACA Warriors is a home game against the Bulldogs of Bell High School. The Bulldogs have a record of 3-5 and are coming off a 20-14 defeat at the hands of Umatilla High School. The contest will take place on Friday, Oct. 22, and could prove to be crucial for the Warriors as the playoffs approach. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. at the ACA football field.