By BRAD GASKINS / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – Hope Christian football captain Andrew Whitson said he was “embarrassed” last week when the defending Alabama Christian Sports Conference state champions were thumped in their season-opener.

Throughout this week, Whitson said Hope worked to improve its aggression.

Mission accomplished, Whitson said after Hope beat Heritage Christian 56-18 on Aug. 26 at Columbiana Sports Complex.

Whitson had seven tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery for Hope (1-1) against Heritage Christian (0-1).

Hope coach Mark Rettig said Hope “had a long way to go from last week to this week,” a reference to Hope’s 42-0 loss at Evangel Family on Aug. 19.

Charles Streets scored on a kickoff return, a 13-yard run and added a conversion run for Hope. He completed 1 of 3 passes for 16 yards.

“Our offense put up points, but we have a lot more work to do,” Streets said. “We had a lot of mental mistakes that we normally don’t have.”

Hope had five turnovers, including two fumbles inside the 5-yard line on its first two possessions of the second half.

Streets said Hope needs to correct those mistakes by practicing even harder.

“And make it contagious,” Streets added. “Make it spread like the flu so everyone else gets it.”

Eric Spence rushed for 67 yards on eight carries. He scored on a 4-yard run, a 52-yard interception return and added a conversion run. He completed 1 of 5 passes for 35 yards.

Reid Allen scored on a 35-yard interception return, and Dillon Thompson scored on a 14-yard interception return.

Cameron Barnett recovered a fumble for a touchdown.

Brett Armstrong had seven tackles, two safeties and caused a fumble.

Streets said Hope wants another crack at Evangel Family this season.

“I’m ready to beat up Evangel Family in the state championship,” he said.