Caleb Hines’ Two Interceptions Lead ACA Past Northridge in Season Opener

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — American Christian Academy’s defense, led by two interceptions from Caleb Hines, anchored the 28-14 win against Northridge in the season opener while backup quarterback Sam Taylor responded after being forced into action.

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The game began with Northridge muffing the opening kickoff, giving ACA possession inside the Jaguars’ 25-yard line. Just two minutes later, Drew Jackson connected with junior wide receiver William Atkins on 3rd-and-goal from the Northridge six for the first score of the game. After a successful PAT, ACA led 7-0 with 9:07 remaining in the first quarter.

Northridge repeatedly threatened to score in the first half but was undone by penalties, including two apparent touchdowns that were wiped out. The Jaguars also missed a pair of field-goal attempts before finally tying the game late in the second quarter.

Before halftime, Northridge finally got on the board after defensive back Julian Crenshaw intercepted a pass and returned it 40 yards into ACA territory. On the following play, Max Bruinton connected with Demeriyan Cotton for a 30-yard touchdown. With the PAT, the game was tied 7-7 with 17 seconds left in the half.

To start the second half, ACA fumbled the opening kickoff, giving Northridge a first-and-10 inside the Patriots’ 12-yard line. 

ACA’s defense prevented Northridge from capitalizing, forcing a three-and-out, which resulted in the Jaguars attempting a 25-yard field goal, but it was no good, keeping the score tied at 7 with 10:30 left in the third quarter.

On the following drive, American Christian Academy showed urgency on offense as junior running back Brandon Garth Jr. broke off a 25-yard run, setting the Patriots up inside the Jaguars’ territory. Two plays later, Jackson found senior wide receiver Logan Morris for a 30-yard touchdown. After a missed PAT, ACA led 13-7 with 9:06 left in the third quarter.

Shortly after, Jackson was ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct after he allegedly flipped off a Northridge defender during an altercation. This forced the Patriots to turn to backup Sam Taylor, who would later deliver an impressive fourth-quarter performance.

Taylor was intercepted by Northridge’s Jaylen Wright on his first possession, giving the Jaguars the ball at ACA’s 40-yard line.

Northridge drove inside the Patriots’ 20-yard line. However, as was the case much of the night, they failed to score. ACA defensive back Caleb Hines, the younger brother of Alabama baseball player Eric Hines, intercepted Bruinton in the end zone, giving the Patriots possession at their own 20 and preserving their six-point lead with 3:33 left in the third quarter.

Taylor then led the Patriots on a methodical, six-minute drive, highlighted by several strong runs from Garth Jr. Taylor capped the drive with a beautiful nine-yard fade to wide receiver Kurt Summers in the corner of the end zone. After a successful two-point conversion, ACA extended its lead to 21-7 with 9:12 left in the fourth quarter.

On the ensuing drive, Northridge moved the ball inside ACA’s 30-yard line, but a 70-yard pick-six from Hines, his second interception of the night, crushed any remaining momentum for the Jaguars and effectively sealed the game. The touchdown gave ACA a commanding 28-7 lead with 7:27 left.

Northridge finally scored their first points of the second half after a 60-yard reception by Cotton set them up inside the Patriots’ five-yard line. On fourth-and-goal, Da’Marcus Wilder powered in from three yards out, cutting the deficit to 28-14 with 6:04 remaining.

ACA ran out the clock to secure its first win of the 2026 season. The Patriots have a bye next week before traveling to Birmingham to face John Carroll Catholic on Friday, September 4.

Northridge dropped its season opener and will look to bounce back next Friday, August 28, when they host Demopolis.

Micah Nichols covers Alabama baseball, football, and basketball for Tide100.9. Follow @MicahNichols0 on X for in-game updates, highlights, and more Crimson Tide content.