By Chris Megginson | For the Reporter

TUSCALOOSA – A late fumble return for a touchdown was the only points of the night for the fourth-ranked Montevallo Bulldogs as they fell, 51-6, on the road at American Christian Academy to open Class 3A, Region 4 action Sept. 8.

Deon Gilliand stripped and returned a fumble 55 yards for the Bulldogs’ touchdown with a minute to play in the game. The

Montevallo struggled offensively, being forced to punt three times, losing two fumbles and turning the ball over on downs three times.

“We put together some drives, just not consistently. It really did seem like when we had a positive play offensively, we’d tack on a penalty,” Montevallo Coach Brandon Wilcox said. “We’ve got self-inflicted wounds that we continue to give to ourselves that we’ve got to clean up. When we break a big run, we’ve got to make sure we’re legally blocking down field.”

ACA took a 23-0 lead in the first quarter with a touchdown run from Parker Davis TD, a safety and two TD runs by KeyShawn Graham. ACA kicker Brooks Cormier was 4-for-4 on point after kicks in the game. Davis threw a touchdown pass and caught a touchdown in the second quarter to lead 38-0 at the half. Davis added another touchdown reception in the third quarter to make it 44-0. Levi Burr scored the final TD for the Patriots to make it 51-0 after Cormier’s PAT with four minutes to play in the third quarter.

Jay Sullens and Davion Gilbert split time at quarterback for Montevallo, with Sullens completing 10-of-14 passes for 34 yards and Gilbert completing 4-of-5 for 21 yards. Sullens led the rushing game with 92 yards on 10 carries. Demetrius Smith and Gilbert led the defense with 12 and nine tackles, respectively. Smith also had a fumble recovery.

Wilcox said the Bulldogs continue to have several players injured, leaving freshmen and sophomore filling holes.

“Our kids are young but they never gave up tonight. We’re going to take that as a positive. We’re going to keep teaching them and keep working with them and we’re going to get better and move forward,” Wilcox said. “Hopefully at some point we’ll heal up a little bit and get back some of the guys we’re counting on this year.”

Montevallo (1-1, 0-1 Region 4) will host B.B. Comer for its home opener on Sept. 15.