GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Davenport football team has their first winning streak this season as they beat Arizona Christian 20-7 on homecoming at Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex. The Panthers scored a touchdown in each of the first three quarters and then grinded out the clock in the fourth quarter to improve to 3-2 overall in their inaugural season. The Firestorm (1-2) were receiving votes in this week's NAIA national poll and it was a solid win for DU.

The Firestorm entered the contest averaging 521 yards of offense through two games and Davenport held them to 283 total yards including just 17 on the ground. Brian Williams, Deion Powers and Devin Butler each recorded an interception for the Panthers. The interception by Butler proved to be the biggest as he set up the third touchdown of the game for DU in the third quarter.

The DU offense clicked on their first drive as they marched 44 yards in 10 plays. Jacob Geter scored his first rushing touchdown this season from one yard with 9:02 left in the first for a 7-0 lead. Arizona Christian tied the game at 7-7 with 8:37 left in the second quarter as they covered 63 yards in seven plays. Gerrit Groenewold connected with Donovan Smith on a double move down the far sideline from 18 yards.

The Panthers converted late in the second with 1:18 remaining as Hunter Krause found Nate Couturier on a slant and Couturier made tacklers miss on his way to a 38-yard score. A false start on the PAT moved the ball back five yards and Patrick Gregory hit the right upright for a 13-7 advantage.

Butler's interception coming in the third quarter was picked off at the DU 45 and returned 45 yards to the ACU 10 with 4:12 remaining. Krause then found Nate Batts for his first TD grab on a slant between two defenders and Batts was battered before crossing the goal line for a 20-7 lead.

There were just three drives in the fourth quarter as Davenport began to grind out yards and clock. The Panthers used 7:05 to begin the quarter before turning it over on downs at the ACU 25. Deion Powers thwarted the next Firestorm possession with his interception at the DU 4 with 6:37 to go. The Panthers ran the ball 10 times for 34 yards and ran out the clock without attempting a pass in the final 15 minutes.

Mike Ivy led the rushing attack for DU carrying 26 times for 105 yards. Krause rushed for 54 yards on seven carries and also went 12-of-21 through the air for 119 yards. The defense recorded four sacks and 10 tackles for loss. Brent Showers led the team with 10 tackles and a pass breakup. Brian Williams made nine tackles and T.J. Douglas had eight stops from his safety spot. The Panthers will next travel to Saint Xavier for a 2 p.m. (eastern) kickoff on October 1st.