By BAKER ELLIS / Sports Editor

GARDENDALE – The Hope Christian Eagles traveled to play ACSC opponent Tabernacle Christian School in the first game of the season on Aug. 19, and came away shorthanded, on the wrong side of a hard-fought 42-28 game.

Hope’s Tyler Hubbard scored first, and his punt return for a touchdown in the first quarter was the only time either team got on the scoreboard in the opening period, as the Eagles took an early 8-0 lead. However, that lead did not last as the home team scored 48 points in three quarters to snag the win.

In the second quarter, down 14-8, Hubbard connected with Juan Cuellar for a touchdown, but the Eagles failed to convert their two-point try and were tied 14-14, and went into the half trailing just 20-14.

Cuellar added Hope’s only score of the third quarter, which at the time pulled Hope back to within striking distance once again at 28-20, but Tabernacle added another score before the end of the third and took a 36-20 lead into the fourth. In the fourth Hubbard added another score, but it was too little, too late as the Eagles fell to 0-1 on the year.

Cuellar led Hope’s offense with an accumulated 79 yards gained via rushing and receiving, while Hubbard threw for 59 yards and also had 11 tackles to lead the defense.

Hope is back in action on Aug. 26 as the Eagles travel to face the once-mighty Edgewood Academy.