ACA’s Rushing Attack Powers Patriots Past Madison Academy

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — American Christian Academy kept its undefeated season intact Friday, riding a powerful rushing attack from junior running backs BJ Garth Jr. and Kaden May to a 35-21 victory over Madison Academy.

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The game started with ACA turning the ball over on its first play, which Madison Academy quickly capitalized on. Junior quarterback Charleston Owens rushed in from three yards out to give the Mustangs a 7-0 lead with 7:41 left in the first quarter.

ACA quickly responded with a touchdown of its own, thanks to strong runs from May and Garth Jr. May capped the drive with a 10-yard rushing touchdown, tying the game at 7-7 with 5:25 left in the opening quarter.

Madison Academy regained the lead before the end of the first quarter, capping a three-minute drive with a 3-yard touchdown pass from Owens to sophomore tight end Kyle Freeman. This made it 14-7 with 1:51 left in the first quarter.

The Patriots quickly tied the game with another strong drive by their running back duo, culminating in an 18-yard rushing touchdown from Garth Jr., his first of the game, to tie it 14-14 with 11:19 left in the first half.

The Patriots scored once more before halftime, capping a five-minute, 72-yard drive with a 1-yard quarterback sneak by junior Drew Jackson, who is committed to Auburn baseball’s 2028 class. This put ACA up 21-14 with 3:57 left in the second quarter.

ACA’s defense was outstanding in the second quarter, standing strong on back-to-back drives inside their own 30-yard line and forcing two consecutive turnover on downs. On the final drive of the half, the Patriots’ defense stopped Madison Academy on fourth-and-1 at the ACA two-yard line, sending the game to halftime with a seven-point lead.

The Patriots’ defense continued its dominance in the third quarter, again forcing the Mustangs to turn the ball over on downs. ACA took over at midfield, and Garth Jr. finished the drive with a 22-yard rushing touchdown on fourth-and-6, his second of the evening.

ACA’s defense collected its first takeaway of the night on the next drive, as sophomore defensive back Cain Scarborough intercepted Owens’ pass to give the Patriots possession at midfield with 1:13 left in the third quarter.

The Patriots were unable to capitalize on the interception, punting for the first time in the game. Madison Academy responded quickly, with Owens scoring his third touchdown of the night on a 17-yard run, making it a one-possession game with 8:29 remaining.

ACA’s offense answered with its most crucial drive of the game. Facing third-and-9, junior quarterback Drew Jackson completed a 32-yard cross-body pass to senior wide receiver Logan Morris while being knocked down by a defender. Backup sophomore quarterback Sam Taylor then entered after Jackson was shaken up on a fourth-and-1 quarterback sneak, where he picked up the conversion. Taylor then scored on a 1-yard rush. This extended the lead to 35-21 with 5:30 remaining.

ACA’s defense delivered again, picking up its second takeaway of the night: senior linebacker Bryant Barger recovered a fumble at the Mustangs’ 30-yard line with 3:34 remaining. This proved to be the nail in the coffin, as ACA ran out the clock to secure a 35-21 victory.

The Patriots improve to 7-0, while Madison Academy falls to 4-3.

ACA returns next Friday, Oct. 16, when they travel to Huntsville to face Westminster Christian in a region matchup.

Micah Nichols covers Alabama baseball, football, and basketball for Tide 100.9. Follow @MicahNichols0 on X for in-game updates, highlights, and more Crimson Tide coverage.