ACA hangs on for homecoming victory

Lions treat home fans to 34-30 win over the Cabarrus Stallions

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
October 3, 2021

There was a packed house in Swannanoa, Oct. 2, as the Asheville Christian Academy Lions hosted the Cabarrus Stallions for a Saturday night homecoming game.

The home team did not disappoint, as they picked up their third straight win in a 34-30 Pioneer Conference showdown.

The Lions entered the game with an overall record of 2-3, after opening the program’s second season with three consecutive losses. They registered their first win of the season, Sept. 18, in Rock Hill, S.C., in a 27-7 conference matchup against the S.C. Spartans. ACA improved to 2-0 in conference play, Sept. 24, with a 42-6 victory over the Anderson Cavaliers.

The offensive attack of the Lions showed no signs of slowing down against the Stallions, as junior quarterback Javier Rice connected with senior running back Myles Tate for a touchdown pass in the opening minutes of the game.

The visiting team responded by returning the ensuing kickoff deep into ACA territory, but a forced fumble and recovery by the Lions defense set up a 38-yard touchdown pass from Rice to junior wide receiver Jacob Price.

The Stallions responded later in the second quarter, down 14-0, with a scoring drive fueled by a physical running attack, punctuated by a successful 2-point conversion attempt. The Lions extended their lead minutes later when Rice found junior receiver Bram Lowery on a deep route for his third passing touchdown of the half.

ACA would go on take a 20-8 lead before halftime, as Price elevated over a Stallions defender to haul in his second touchdown reception of the evening.

The Lions extended their lead in the second half, as Rice found Lowery again for his fifth touchdown pass of the night.

The Stallions, however, would battle back in the fourth quarter, but the Lions defense held on for the 34-30 win.

ACA recognized its senior athletes at halftime, when parents escorted football players and cheerleaders to midfield. Seven Lions senior players and three cheerleaders were introduced in front of the home crowd during the ceremony.

ACA will be back in its home stadium at 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 8, when the Lions host Orangewood Christian School out of Maitland, Florida. The Lions, led by head coach Rick Spurling, are 3-0 in Pioneer Conference competition.

Photos of ACA’s homecoming win over the Cabarrus Stallions can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.