The CA football team earned some long-awaited revenge on Thursday, September 28, embarrassing its archrival Bexley, 38-7.
With their home crowd behind them, the Lions got the ball to start the game. They worked their way into Academy territory but couldn’t convert on 4th down, setting up the Vikings’ offense at their own 40-yard line.
Looking to establish dominance early, CA began to feed senior Herman Moultrie. He barreled through Bexley’s defense several times before capping off the impressive drive with a 30-yard touchdown scamper to give the Vikes an early lead.
The Lions’ offense turned the ball over on downs in Academy territory again and found themselves down 7-0 after the first quarter.
Bexley immediately regained possession, picking off a pass from senior quarterback Matt Saling. The Lions capitalized on the opportunity, as quarterback Anthony Welsh connected with Tyler Mitchell just a few plays later to tie the game.
With just 3 minutes left in the half, Bexley got back the ball deep in its own territory with an opportunity to take the lead. But Academy’s defense put the clamps on, forcing the Lions to punt.
Needing a spark, junior Dorrian Moultrie stepped up for the Vikes. He grabbed the punt on a bounce, cut upfield, and breezed to the end zone for a 43-yard score.
CA wasted no time in doubling its advantage. On their ensuing possession, Moultrie’18 hauled in a screen and raced down the sideline for 49 yards before being dragged down inches from the goal line. He crossed the plane on the very next play, as the star running back took a handoff and slashed through the defensive line for his second score of the night.
With the back-to-back touchdowns coming in a matter of minutes, Academy headed to the locker rooms up 21-7 and had all the momentum.
Despite the comfortable cushion, the Vikings continued to unleash their 5 years of pent-up frustration. Another electric return from Moultrie’19 gave the offense great field position. Seconds later, senior running back Josh Pearson rumbled for a touchdown from 18 yards out.
After a Bexley punt, CA piled on for good measure, as Saling found Moultrie’19 on a slant and delivered a bullet. The most dangerous receiver in the MSL took care of the rest, sprinting untouched to the end zone.
Having watched their deficit balloon to 35-7, the Lions tried everything possible to move the ball. But Academy’s vaunted defense wouldn’t allow it, continuing to lock up the Bexley offense into the fourth quarter.
Following a Vikings field goal, the Lions finally looked as if they had made a big play. With time winding down, Bexley’s running back Connor Moriarty scurried down the sidelines for what looked to be a garbage time touchdown. But breakout junior Jordan Dearing-Hardiman crashed into him, popping the ball loose. CA recovered and closed out the emotional win by celebrating with its exultant student section on the field.
With the victory, Academy claimed the Mayor-Headmaster’s Cup for the first time since 2012. The Vikes return home for their next game, against Columbus East on Friday, October 6.