By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

The Hope Christian School Eagles cruised past Ballard Christian School 40-14 in eight-man football action on Aug. 23.

Hope amassed 413 total yards of offense in a balanced rushing and air attack, with top rushers Nick Ray with 86 yards, Reid Allen with 52 yards and Ben Friedlander with 41 yards.

Defensive leaders were Cameron Barnett with nine tackles and Allen and Jonathan Misso with eight tackles each. Ian Kirkpatrick and Joseph Patton both recorded fumble recoveries.

Allen solidified his role as starting quarterback by connecting on six of 19 passing attempts for 144 yards.

“Overall, it was a good effort. The second half left a lot to be desired, but we gave some kids some good experience,” said Hope head coach Tony Nafe. “We made a lot of progress tonight.”

Hope scored three touchdowns in the first quarter: The first on a Ray 11-yard run, the second on a 2-yard Ray run and the third on an Allen 16-yard run. Allen also added a touchdown in the second quarter on an 18-yard run.

In the third quarter, Cannon Fuqua reeled in an 18-yard touchdown pass from Allen, and Dillon Thompson added touchdown in the fourth quarter on a five-yard run.

Hope will host its first home game of the season on Aug. 30 against North River Christian Academy.