Tabernacle downs SUA 48-20 in home opener

Gardendale, AL – The Tabernacle Christian Torches improved to 2-1 with a 48-20 home opening win over the Success Unlimited Academy Mustangs (1-2) Friday night at Mac Sanderson Field. 

The contest was the Torches first meeting with the visitors from the capital city. 

The offensive fireworks started early for the Torches who jumped out to a 14-0 lead by the end of the opening frame and held a 40-6 advantage at the half.  After the break, Tabernacle took their foot off the gas, trading scores in the third and were held out of the endzone in the final period.  

Junior quarterback Clinton Chase finished the night with 86 yards through the air, completing 7-of-15 passes including a touchdown and an interception.  The standout junior also lead the Torches rushing attack with 86 yards on 16 carries in addition to three scores and a two point conversion run.

Sophomore receiver Reed Chase was his older brother’s favorite receiving target.  The pair hooked-up five times for 42 yards, averaging 8.4 yards per reception.  Junior receiver Daniel McCormick added a pair of grabs for 19 yards and a touchdown while Bryant Howard hauled in one catch for 15 yards.  

Trae Andrews ran the ball 11 times for 58 yards and a pair of scores, Howard added 10 yards on five attempts and Troy Box chipped in five yards on three carries.  

Nine Torches recored stops on the defensive side of the ball, lead by sophomore Josiah Jones with five, including a pair of sacks.  Box, Andrews and Daniel Walton recorded four tackles, juniors Able Sharpe and Ethan Glass contributed three knockdowns, Howard added two and Clinton Chase and Logan Bartlett made one stop apiece.  

Howard and Walton recored interceptions in the CFA conference clash. 

Tabernacle returns to action next Friday night, welcoming Jacksonville Christian to Gardendale.  SUA hosts CFA conference foe New Life Academy at True Devine Field.