(Glendale, AZ) Down 27-16 in the fourth quarter, Arizona Christian mounted a comeback and beat Langston with two late touchdowns in front of a huge homecoming crowd. The win keeps ACU in a tie for the top spot in the SAC standings and still in the hunt for a NAIA playoff spot.
With their backs to the wall, Tyler Duncan carried the offense as he threw or ran for all four touchdowns.
Needing someone to step up and make one last play defensively, Riley Tuckerdid the honors with a big pass breakup followed by the game sealing victory interception on the last series.
Offensive Stars
- Duncan – 160 passing yards, 2 TDs, 93 rushing yards, 2 TDs
- Maurice Rockette – 45 rushing yards, 21 punt return yards, 37 kickoff return yards
- Bryce Washington – 87 yards receiving, TD, 44 kickoff return yards
- Aidan Quinn – receiving TD
- Sean Bailey, Jr. – 107 punting yards, 39 yard rush on a fake punt
Defensive Stars
- Moses Smith – 8 tackles, sack
- Jake Farrell – 8 tackles, .5 sack
- Tucker – 6 tackles, interception, two pass breakups
- Jordan Francis – 6 tackles
- Martin Rodriguez – 5 tackles, .5 sack
Inside The Numbers
After a 0-0 first quarter, Langston recovered a fumble, and one play later scored the first points 84 seconds into the second quarter
ACU countered with Duncan scrambling before connecting with Quinn from four yards out
Langston intercepted a pass at their one but Smith and Jalyn Mitchellteamed up to force a safety and create the 9-7 halftime score
The opening drive of the second half ended with Duncan finding Washington for a catch and run TD
The Lions responded by scoring 20 straight points to build a 27-16 edge with 14:34 remaining
Duncan led a methodical 12 play and forced his way into the endzone from two yards out
A three and out by Langston allowed ACU to milk clock with a ten play drive
Duncan raced into the red Firestorm endzone for the final time from a yard out to push ACU up 28-27 (Ward converted the two point conversion)
A kickoff from Nestor Higuera pinned LU at their two
With a potential completion beyond the sticks, Tucker flew in and dislodged the ball before it was caught
With about 40 seconds left in the game, and Langston at their 41, Tucker secured his sixth interception of the season to seal the deal
Thoughts from Coach Bowen
“What an amazing win! This team has a no quit mentality… It does not matter if we are down one point or 20 points… They will always stay in the fight. And now, if we win next week, we are the conference champs! This team deserves a trip to the national championship tournament.“
Up Next
The final regular season game will find Arizona Christian at Wayland Baptist in Plainview, TX, on Saturday. Kick-off will come 1:00 pm Arizona/ 2:00 pm Central.
Press Release courtesy of Arizona Christian University Athletics
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