The Azle Christian School Fighting Crusaders, riding a three-game win streak, made the trip to Hico Friday, Nov. 28, for a 3 p.m. kickoff in the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools 2025 State semifinal against district rival Valor Preparatory Academy of Waco. It was the teams’ second meeting of the season; Valor Prep won the district matchup 98-52.
Playing in mid-50s temperatures and a stiff 20-mph north wind — easily the coldest game of the season — the Crusaders battled but ultimately fell 77-31, bringing their season to a close with a 9-3 record.
Junior standout Grayson Smith once again led the way for ACS, rushing for 189 yards on 14 carries and scoring three touchdowns, including two rushing and one receiving. Quarterback Jaxon Durham completed 13 of 26 passes for 86 yards. Sophomore Gavin Montezcaught four passes for 42 yards and two touchdowns, while seniors Gage Anderson, Jakob Rollins and Preston Dixon added two receptions each.
