Haynes runs past Ascension Christian, 33-26

Forcing turnovers on defense, combined with a strong offensive rushing attack are keys to success on the football field.
On Thursday night, Haynes Academy accomplished both.

The Jackets, 4-1, rushed for 240 yards, had four rushing touchdowns and came away with a hard fought, 33-26, victory over Ascension Christian, 2-3, at Joe Yenni Stadium.

Ashton Clay, a junior running back, led the Jackets with 22 caries for a season high 128 yards and two touchdowns.
Quarterback, Zach Bott finished with 16 carries for 62 yards and two touchdowns. Senior fullback, Paul Longo had 13 carries for 56 yards.

Zach Diez threw 36 passes out of the 50 total plays for the Lions. Nathan Bledsoe had touchdown receptions of 30 and 40 yards, as well as his 80 yard kickoff return.

Ari Currera, 20 yard return, Noah Dillings, 48 yard return and Joshua Christofferson, two for zero yards, led the defense with interceptions.

Things did not start out well for Haynes. The Lions Kick returner, Bledsoe, returned the opening kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown for Acension Christian.

However, on the Lions next possession, Currera got the first of four interceptions by the Jackets. Eight plays later, Bott threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Christofferson. The try for two points failed and Haynes trailed 8-6.

Trailing 26-21 heading into the fourth quarter, Haynes put together two late touchdown drives. The first came on an eight play, 55 yard drive. Bott’s 11 yard touchdown run completed the drive and gave the Jackets a 27-26 lead.

After stopping the Lions on downs at the Haynes 30, the Jackets went on an 11 play, 70 yard drive to secure the victory. Clay broke through the defensive line good for a 35-yard touchdown run with 2:22 remaining in the game.

Trailing by seven, the Lions attempted to cut into the Haynes lead. However, they were quickly doomed.

On the first play of their last series, Christofferson intercepted a Diez’s pass. At that point of the game, Haynes, aided by a roughing the passer penalty, was able to run four plays to end the game.