By NEAL WAGNER/City Editor

The Hope Christian School Eagles emerged victorious following a “barn burner” against Tabernacle Christian in eight-man football action on Aug. 16, said head coach Tony Nafe.

Hope downed the Tabernacle Torches 41-36 while playing their first game of the season on the road against a perennial powerhouse, Nafe said.

“We learned a lot about the team tonight. It was a barn burner,” Nafe said. “We had a lot of guys playing positions they hadn’t played before.”

The Eagles finished the night with 398 total offensive yards, 271 of which came on the ground.

Quarterback Reid Allen connected on four of nine passing attempts for 93 yards, and Dillon Thompson reeled in three catches for 93 yards.

Thompson also was the leading rusher for the Eagles, finishing the night with 115 yards on 10 carries. Allen finished the night with 106 rushing yards.

On defense, Allen and Jonathan Misso each recorded nine tackles, while Zach Gramstad recorded eight.

Nick Ray scored a touchdown in the second quarter, and Thompson, Allen and Houston Daily each scored a touchdown in the third quarter. Thompson and Allen also added one touchdown each in the fourth quarter.

“We had a lot of heroes tonight. Cam Barnett had a key interception for us in the third quarter that really shifted the momentum of the game,” Nafe said. “I’ve got some of the best boys in the country.”