A college football rivalry Saturday night was as wild as you could ask for. Separated by just 13 miles, Ottawa University in Surprise and Arizona Christian University in Glendale have set themselves as two of the best in NAIA football.
In a game of chippy play, a fake punt, two-point conversions, and incredible moments in all three phases, it was ACU with a come-from-behind showcase who claimed a slim 40-38 victory. The Firestorm outscored Ottawa 31-14 in the second half to earn their second program victory against their cross-town rivals. Ottawa still owns the all-time record at 2-3 but has fallen in two of their last three meetings.
Greenway High School alum, Tyler Duncan, led the offensive surge completing 21 of 31 passes for 258 yards and two passing touchdowns while also rushing in another pair of TDs and a two-point conversion for ACU. Desert Mountain graduate, Riley Tucker, was a defensive standout collecting 11 total tackles, a TFL, and an interception.
This college football rivalry had a little bit of everything! @ACUFootball1 upsets #7 Ottawa 40-38 to earn just their second victory again their in-state rival in a thriller! @Sports360AZ@NAIA SAC Football #7 @OUAZFootball 38 @ACUFootball1 40 FINAL pic.twitter.com/rt95RU9GOy
Devon Henry
