Enter your number to get our free mobile app

The American Christian Academy Patriots (6-0, 4-0) proved tonight why they are the top-ranked team in 4A, beating the Ironmen of Holt High School (2-5, 2-3) 54-19 in a game that was lopsided from start to finish.

ACA controlled the entire first half, with quarterback Hunter Sute going 7/10 for 210 yards and two scores, one of which came on a 74-yard bomb to Cam Jeffery late in the first quarter. Kamari Lassiter hauled in the other touchdown: a 35-yard throw from Sute in the second quarter.

The story of the night, however, was the Patriots' run game. Brandon Waller, on 12 carries, ran for over 230 yards and had 5 touchdowns, all in three quarters. Alongside the success of Waller was Sawyer Deerman, who hit pay dirt on a 50-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

While the offensive success for ACA was abundant, Holt's sideline had a different story to tell. Jordan Driver was a bright spot in an otherwise stagnant offense, running the ball fifteen times for 126 yards. One of the few scores for the Ironmen came off a trick play in the second quarter when Damian Johnson took a direct snap and found Jakeem Goodman for a 25-yard touchdown.

Quarterback Micah Bolton came in late for Holt and threw two fourth-quarter touchdowns, making the final score 54-19.

"We just wanted to try to come out and execute like we had done much of this season," ACA head coach Chris Smelley said after the game. "The offensive line continued to improve and opened up some holes."

Speaking on Brandon Waller's performance, Smelley offered a little perspective into the hindsight of his progression.

"He kind of had his break out game last week against Bibb County and continued to run the ball hard for us. He's a very dynamic player," he said.

Curtis Graves, head coach for Holt, said following his team's loss that there were some trials and errors that the squad needs to work through.

"We've got some new formations we were testing out against ACA," Graves said. "We had some success in the beginning but were still shooting ourselves in the foot. I think we can still work out the kinks. We just need to win two out of our next three games and we're in the playoffs."

Holt will look to bounce back next week, taking on a 1-4 Dallas County team.  If the Ironmen can continue to build on the small successes they found tonight, this team could sneak into the playoffs and be a matchup no one expects.

As for ACA, the Patriots will get to rest up this week as their previously scheduled game against Wilcox was canceled, leaving them with a bye week.

More From Praise 93.3