The Northridge Jaguars and American Christian Academy Patriots met on Friday night to play a spring football game to cap off each school's spring practice. The varsities went head-to-head in the first half and the junior varsity teams squared off in the second half. The Northridge Varsity defeated the ACA Varsity 21-7 and the JV Jaguars defeated the JV Patriots 28-14.

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"No one in the state of Alabama had a spring training last year and coming into August we were still meeting some of the kids that were just coming back that were a part of our team last year and that was the same way around the state," said Northridge head coach Mike Vickery. "Being able to be here with the kids and have fans in here the stands, just a fun night and always great. High school athletics and high school football specifically just brings out so much community and two big time community schools here tonight and we're just glad to be able to do it."

The Jaguars were able to control the first half with an imposing offensive line. Northridge was without top running back LiEric Street but PJ Hall stepped up in his place. Hall rushed for 54 yards and two scores in the first half, including a 24-yard touchdown run to put the Jaguars up 14-0. As a team Northridge rushed for 89 yards in the half.

It wasn't all through the ground though for the Jaguars as senior wide receiver Cory White made his impact felt. White hauled in four receptions for 86 yards and the game's first touchdown.

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ACA started sophomore Ethan Boyd at quarterback as expected starter Sawyer Deerman suffered an injury during the spring to limit his availability. In Boyd's first varsity action the quarterback completed 12-for-17 passes for 129 yards and also managed 34 yards on the ground.

"We wanted to use this spring to improve as a football team. We definitely did that. We got nine good practices in and our game tonight. We stayed, somewhat healthy throughout the spring. We were missing a few guys for today's game but I'm super excited about the potential that this team has. We're just ready to get to work throughout the summer and get ready for a great fall," said ACA head coach Chris Smelley.

Northridge had its most successful season under Vickery's tutelage and American Christian Academy advanced all the way to the Class 4A state semifinals last season. Both programs now turn their attention to the summer as they prepare for the 2021 season.

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