Firestorm Drop Road Matchup At No. 23 Trojans
Madison, S.D.- Facing NAIA number 23 ranked Dakota State on the road saw Arizona Christian get turned away 44-17 on Saturday. The Firestorm topped the Trojans in total plays (66-63) and time of possession (32:30-27:30) but penalties and fumbles were not kind to ACU.
The Firestorm showed a balanced attack with 132 rushing yards and 101 passing yards. Josh Bell threw for a touchdown and ran for another six points. CJ Wallace threw for 58 yards and ran for 48 yards. Ty Cole collected 62 yards on the ground. Jacobee Taylor hauled in 53 yards and a touchdown through the air.
Aaron Martinez topped the defensive effort with eight tackles. Joseph Munoz added seven tackles. William Baldwin notched six tackles with Cooper Craig at five.
Game Info
- Game score: Dakota State- 44, Arizona Christian – 17
- Records: Arizona Christian- 0-2, Dakota State – 3-1
- NAIA Top 25 Rank: Arizona Christian – not ranked, Dakota State – 23
- Location: Brian Kern Family Stadium, Dakota State University, Madison, SD
Inside The Numbers
- The Trojans scored twice before Lukas Hall booted his fourth field goal of the season
- Up 21-3 at the break, DSU tacked on 14 more points in the quarter three
- The Firestorm found pay dirt for the first time when Bell connected with Taylor running across the back of the endzone
- In the fourth quarter, Bell called his own number with a QB sneak from two yards out
- A blocked punt by Carter Guggenberger and recovery by Lofi Chanwong at the DSU 6 in the closing seconds caused excitement but the game ended before ACU could capitalize with points
- ACU had 11 penalties for 118 yards and six fumbles (only one lost) that caused issues staying on and getting off the field
Thoughts from Coach Maddox
“Next week is a new opportunity to practice and prepare the right way. We have to do that first. We have to act like champions before we are one. We will continue to get better.”
Up Next
Arizona Christian will be home on Saturday for their home opener and Homecoming. Kick-off is set for 7:00 pm.
