By Marla Jones, Sports Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Cornerstone Christian Academy Eagles defeated Tuscaloosa Christian, 56-42 on Friday night. 

In the first quarter, Israel Phillips scored on a 28-yard rushing touchdown for CCA.  The kick by Phillip Grizzard gave the Eagles the 7-0 lead.  Tuscaloosa Christian scored on a 32-yard pass.  They went for two to take the 8-7 lead.  Cornerstone answered back with a 51-yard pass connection from Matt Johnson to Lucas Hale.  The PAT by Grizzard gave the Eagles the 14-8 lead ending the first quarter.

Eli Carter connected to Lucas Hale with a 49-yard pass for the CCA score.  The extra point attempt by Grizzard gave the Eagles to 21-8 advantage.  Tuscaloosa Christian answered back with a 35-yard pass to narrow the Eagle lead to 28-14.  Matt Johnson charged down the field, scoring on a 70-yard kickoff return.  Grizzard successfully added the point after. Tuscaloosa scored on a 2-yard rush into the endzone and went for two, to make the score 28-22.  To close out the second quarter, Phillips had the 33-pass connection to Hale.  The PAT was successful, giving the Eagles the 35-22 advantage going into the half.

Tuscaloosa Christian opened the third quarter with a 3-yard rushing touchdown to narrow the Eagle lead to 35-28.  Matt Johnson connected with Hale for a CCA 71-yard touchdown. The kick by Grizzard, made the score 42-28.  Matt Johnson made another touchdown connection with Phillips, the extra point gave Cornerstone the 49-28 lead.  To shake things up, CCA put in Grizzard as the quarterback. Grizzard made the 25-yard pass to Phillips for the touchdown.  The PAT was good, giving the Eagles the 56-28 advantage.  

In the fourth quarter. Tuscaloosa scored two touchdowns but could not catch up with the Eagles, making the final score, 56-42.

The Cornerstone Christian Eagles will have two weeks off before hosting New Life Christian.