Evangel uses strong third quarter to beat Freedom – Shelby County Reporter

By CHRIS MEGGINSON | Special for the Reporter

ALABASTER – Back in their element, Evangel Christian School defeated Freedom Academy 52-42 on Friday in the Lightning's first 8-team home game of the season at Clayton-O'Neal Field.

“It was nice to be back in the facility. The kids love playing there,” Evangel coach Tim Smith said. “They played a great game. It's tough going from 11-man to 8-man. Honestly, it hurts you more on defense than offense. Playing 11-man helped us win tonight though because we were able to gain some depth. All the kids that grew up in the 11-man system were able to play tonight.”

Freedom took an early 14-0 lead, but the Lighting fought back with a 15-yard touchdown run by Kemp Swords. Nick Cloud scored on a 2-point conversion and tied the game with a 16-yard touchdown run. Cloud's touchdown was set up by the first of two successful onside kicks by Christopher Staniscavage.

Swords gave Evangel a brief 20-14 lead with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Will Welch, but the Cowboys scored twice and led 28-20 at halftime.

The Lightning outscored Freedom 18-0 in the third quarter. Swords scored a 10-yard touchdown to Welch and then regained the lead with a 47-yard touchdown pass to Cade Joiner. Welch added a safety.

The Cowboys scored first in the fourth quarter, but Swords helped maintain the Lightning lead with a 10-yard touchdown run and a 2-point pass to Ben Davis, followed by a 7-yard touchdown to Welch.

Freedom scored a touchdown after Evangel's kickoff, narrowing the gap to 10 points.

Kemp totaled over 200 yards on offense, including 73 yards and two touchdowns in the running game, as well as 12 of 26 passes for 132 yards and four touchdowns. Joiner finished the night with 93 yards on 10 pass catches.

Eli Black and Reed Castleberry led the defense with nine and seven tackles, respectively.

Evangel (4-1) stays home on Sept. 20 to host Ezekiel Academy in the first Alabama Christian Sports Conference game of the season.