Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard struck first Monday night to lead the Irish to a 7-0 lead against Ohio State in the College Football Playoff national championship game.

Leonard, the Fairhope, Ala., native, carried the ball nine times for for 34 yards, ending with a 1-yard run with 9:45 left in the half.

The quarterback celebrated by flashing a wrist band at the camera.

The message?

Matthew 23:12.

The biblical passage states, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

Leonard also completed 3 of 5 passes for 31 yards on Notre Dame’s opening drive.

AL.com chronicled Leonard’s journey from Fairhope to Notre Dame leading up to the game.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.