By BAKER ELLIS / Sports Editor

COLUMBIANA – For the first time in the history of the longstanding ACSC rivalry, Hope Christian and Evangel Christian met on Sept. 16 and played an 11-man football game. The game was the third of the season that Evangel had played this year in the 11-man format, while it was just the second time this season Hope has lined up with 11 players on the field at one time. What had the potential to be a tight game turned into anything but, as the offensive machine that is Evangel churned out three quick scores and jumped out to a 28-0 lead before taking a 42-0 lead into halftime. The Lightning eventually won 42-12 to move to 4-0 on the season.

The MVP of the game, and the APH Radio Game of the Week Player of the Game, was Brad Baggett. Baggett, the Lightning’s big but shifty back, accounted for 96 yards rushing, including two rushing touchdowns. Baggett was also on the receiving end of a 34-yard passing touchdown and returned an interception for a touchdown as well to give the senior four total scores on the night.

Baggett’s backfield and classmate Micah Murphy had 93 yards rushing in the game and added a touchdown as well as the Lightning rolled.

Ethan Key led the Hope offense with 32 yards rushing while Josh Patton added 27 yards rushing as well. Shane Davis once again led the Hope defense.

Chase Callahan also returned an interception for a touchdown for Evangel.