Warriors Win 2021 Senior Pink Out Game

Patricia Smith
Guest Columnist

The Aucilla Christian Academy (ACA) Warriors celebrated their 2021 Senior Night game on Friday, Oct. 22, with a 33-13 win over the Bell High School Bulldogs.
The Warriors took control early, scoring their first touchdown with 4:23 remaining in the first quarter, when Warrior quarterback Tripp Joyner found the end-zone. Soon after, Warrior workhorse, Jace Grant punched the ball over the goal line from the eight-yard line. The first quarter closed with a 14-0 score.
Joyner connected with Gabe Gamalero, who skillfully zigzagged through a slew of Bulldogs and into the end-zone from 11 yards out. The ensuing point-after-touchdown (PAT) was off the mark and the score was now 20-0, with the Warriors in control. The first half ended with a 20-0 Warrior advantage.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Bulldogs were able to get on the scoreboard in the final quarter and the score was 26-7. The next Bulldog possession was cut short when Tucker Wiles picked off a Bulldog pass. The Warriors' Grant added two more touchdowns to the Warriors' tally. The Bulldogs were able to find the end-zone one more time with a touchdown pass, but the Warriors were able to hold on and seal the 33-13 victory.
Joyner went six-for-10 passing for 87 yards and one touchdown, with one interception. Grant led the Warriors' rushing attack with 247 yards on 20 carries and three touchdowns. Grant also had three receptions for 24 yards.
Defensively, Josh Agner led the team with 10 tackles, including one tackle-for-loss. Dakota Hagan had nine tackles and a fumble recovery. Grant had seven tackles, with two sacks and two tackles-for-loss with one forced fumble. Wiles had six tackles and one interception.
Grant was the Offensive Player of the Week for the Warriors. Hagan was the Defensive Player of the Week. Joyner and Fletcher Schwab shared Warrior of the Week honors.
“With the win last Friday, our current record is 5-3 and we secured a winning season with just one regular season game to go,” said ACA Head Coach Colby Roberts. “With all the veterans we lost (most to graduation) this is a huge accomplishment. Again, I site our program's philosophy which is based on Colossians 3:23, 'Whatever you do, work at it will all your heart as if your working for the Lord instead of man.' And we certainly came to experience 2 Corinthians 12:10 with our youth and inexperience, 'That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.'”
The Warriors will finish the regular season with a rematch against the Knights of Rocky Bayou Christian School. This time the Warriors will travel to Niceville with hopes of avenging an earlier season loss to the Knights. The Knights (4-3) are coming off a 49-19 loss to Freeport High School. The game is set for Friday, Oct. 29, kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Rocky Bayou Christian School is located at 2101 Partin Drive North, in Niceville, Fla.