J.T. Hyche rushed for 216 yards and two touchdowns as the American Christian Academy Patriots celebrated homecoming with a 45-22 victory Friday night over Ellwood Christian.

Hyche scored on runs of 31 and 4 yards.

ACA quarterback Kade Young threw three touchdown passes, two to Carter McGill and one to Britt Sparks.

Stuart Fowler also kicked a 32-yard field goal for the Patriots.

Jalen Furlow led Ellwood Christian with 200 yards passing and 90 yards rushing. He scored on a 5-yard run and threw two touchdown passes to Marqueith Gullett and Michael Lewis.

“We came back out in the second half and played good football,” Ellwood Christian head coach Eric Martinaer said. “Defensively we are kind of finding ourselves. Offensively, we just have to concentrate and focus on the little things.”

ACA (4-4) hosts Aliceville next Friday. Ellwood Christian (3-5) will face A.L. Johnson likely decide whether or not the Eagles make the playoffs. Ellwood would not be eliminated with a loss to A.L. Johnson, but may be in with a victory.

“It’s win or go home next week for our playoff [hopes\,” Martinear said. “… It’s all or nothing.”