SMCA improved to 8-0 with an impressive 38-8 homecoming won over Ashford Academy. SMCA scored on its first 3 possessions and jumped out to a 20- 0 lead. The Raiders’ defense held the AISA’s leading rusher (Jeremy Jeffcoat) to just 71 yards rushing and sacked the Falcons’ quarterback four times.

Ashford received the opening kickoff but was unable to move the ball. A short punt gave the ball to the Raiders at the 29-yard line. The short drive took only three plays with John Andrews hitting Paul Ramirez for the 19 yard TD pass with 9:10 to go in the first.

Lee Kelley scored on a one-yard run on SMCA’s second possession. The 10 play drive covered 61 yards and was highlighted by a 12 yard scramble by Andrews on third and nine. Andrews passed to Hunter Royal for the two point PAT.

On the Raiders third possession, Andrews again led SMCA down the field. This 10-play 65 yard drive saw Andrews complete four of six passes for 50 yards. He also rushed twice for 13 yards. Ramirez hauled in his second TD catch of the night to make the score SMCA 20, Ashford 0.

Ashford’s only score of the night came early in the third as Jeffcoat intercepted an Andrews pass and returned it 19 yards for the score. Jeffcoat ran the two point conversion narrowing the Raiders’ lead to 20-8.

SMCA answered by scoring on its next three possessions. Ramirez kicked a 26-yard field goal capping a nine play, 62 yard drive. SMCA 23 Ashford 8.

After receiving the kickoff, the Falcons fumbled on their first play with Ramirez recovering the ball on the 35-yard line. Andrews scored five plays later on a 16 yard run. Ramirez kicked the PAT.

Early in the fourth quarter the Falcons were able to move the ball deep into Raider territory. On fourth down at the 20-yard line, Alex Long sacked the Ashford QB for a 14 yard loss. SMCA took over at the 34-yard line. 10 rushing plays later, Lee Kelley scored his second TD of the night. Rick Hall ran the two point conversion over. SMCA led 38-8 with 1:27 to go in the game.

Andrews completed 14/25 passes for 201 yards. Ramirez caught six passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns. Royal caught six passes for 87 yards and rushed nine times for 120 yards.

Jason Broadway led the defense with eight tackles and one sack. Alex Long added six tackles and two sacks. Josh Rials also had a sack for the Raiders. Trey Houlton and Ramirez both had fumble recoveries for SMCA.

Next week SMCA plays Dixie Academy on Thursday night in Louisville.