CINCINNATI, Ohio — Miami Valley Christian Academy returned to the win column Friday night with a thrilling 21-20 road victory over Western Hills University at Arch McCartney Stadium.
The Lions built a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter before Western Hills cut the advantage to 14-6 by halftime. The Mustangs continued to battle after the break, but MVCA carried a 21-20 lead into the fourth quarter and the Lions' defense made the one-point advantage stand.
With the win, MVCA improves to 3-1 overall and 3-0 on the road this season.
DesJardins Delivers in First Start at Quarterback
Senior Jeremiah DesJardins delivered a huge all-around performance in his first game at quarterback, accounting for all three MVCA touchdowns.
DesJardins completed 6-of-17 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown while adding 166 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries, averaging 7.5 yards per attempt. Altogether, he produced 288 yards of offense and three touchdowns.
His touchdown pass went to senior Aiden Frisby, who turned his lone reception into a 45-yard score. Junior Lucas Livezey led the Lions with three receptions for 46 yards, while AJ Ardizzone added two catches for 31 yards.
Junior kicker Ethan Ressler was perfect on the night, converting all three extra-point attempts.
Defense Closes the Door
With MVCA clinging to a one-point lead, the defense kept Western Hills off the scoreboard in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.
The Lions recorded seven sacks and forced two turnovers. Junior Judah Walters came away with an interception, while senior Zach Holland forced and recovered a fumble.
Layton Reeves and Livezey each recorded two sacks, Holland added 1.5, DesJardins recorded one and Hans Erickson added a half sack.
DesJardins also finished with a team-high seven tackles. Reeves, Bryson Jones and Jonah Criste each recorded six, while Erickson finished with five.
The defensive effort was particularly impressive against a Western Hills offense that had scored 66 points in a win over Cincinnati Country Day just one week earlier.
DesJardins Earns Weekly Nominations
Following his performance, DesJardins was selected as a nominee for the Cincinnati Enquirer Ohio Small-School Football Player of the Week. The Enquirer highlighted his 122 passing yards, 166 rushing yards, three total touchdowns and defensive production in the victory.
He was also named one of the Week 4 Mella Window & Carpet Cleaning Player of the Week nominees by TriStateFootball.com.
Vote for Jeremiah in the Cincinnati Enquirer poll
Vote for Jeremiah in the TriStateFootball.com poll
Up Next
MVCA returns home Friday, Sept. 18, to host Summit Country Day at the MVCA All-Weather Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
