By: Brett Greenberg
The Tuscaloosa News - The undefeated American Christian Academy Patriots defeated Mobile Christian, 27-21, on Friday night to advance to the quarterfinal round of the AHSAA Class 4A state playoffs.
"Our defense was the difference in this ballgame," said ACA coach Chris Smelley. "This was really a gritty performance by them, grinding there at the end and forcing a turnover on their last drive."
The Patriots had held opponents to around 15 points per game. Against Mobile Christian, they were led by three-star athlete Cam Jeffery. ACA forced three turnovers: two fumble recoveries and an interception. They also held for a field goal that was no good and two turnovers on downs.
Jeffrey was used on both sides of the ball, adding three receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown on top of his two fumble recoveries.
"We move him around a lot on both sides," Smelly said. "It is a testament to our strength and coordinating program which allows these kids to play both ways."
After ACA's early 20 point-lead vanished, the Patriots had an opportunity to run down the clock with six minutes remaining and the ball on their own 26-yard line. Brandon Waller ran seven times in the last two drives to drain the clock.
"Hats off to our offensive line for grinding down there and all night," Smelley said.
Smelley understands that a win is a win in the playoffs.
"At this point, we are just looking to survive and advance," he said. "We preach that is going to take all 11 guys for us to win especially as we get further into this thing."
ACA will travel to Montgomery to face Alabama Christian next Friday in a quarterfinal matchup.
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