Seniors Matt Schiano (#12), Josh Pearson (#34), Matt Saling (#14) and Davis Friedman (#50) lead the Vikes into battle. (Courtesy/Andy Morris)
Coming off its first playoff win since 2006, the #5 seed CA football team rolled into the regional semi-finals, ready for one of the biggest games in school history. Unfortunately, undefeated #1 seed Wheelersburg proved to be too much for the Vikings, fending off the upset bid with a 35-16 win on Friday, November 10.
Despite the booming Pirates’ crowd, it was the underdog Vikes who burst out of the gates, guns blazing. Minutes into the game, sophomore Carter Warstler punched the ball loose from the Wheelersburg punt returner, and senior Davis Friedman recovered it in Pirates’ territory.
CA wasted no time cashing in on the opportunity. Three plays later, senior Josh Pearson took a sweep left into the end zone from 10 yards out, giving Academy an early lead.
Having won every game this season by at least 24 points, Wheelersburg was surprised by the upstart Vikings’ first blow. Nonetheless, the Pirates received the ball and began to march down the field. Just as they crossed midfield, senior Herman Moultrie read quarterback Trent Salyers’ eyes and made a leaping interception to give CA the ball back.
As the second quarter began, the Vikes moved into the red zone behind runs by Moultrie and short passes from senior quarterback Matt Saling. The drive stalled, and Academy was forced to settle for a field goal. Sophomore Sam Massick’s 34-yard attempt clanged off the right upright and fell through, extending his team’s lead to 10-0.
Facing a double-digit deficit for the first time all year, Wheelersburg desperately searched for an answer. But the Vikings’ swarming defense refused to back down. With time winding down in the half, junior Dorrian Moultrie picked off an errant pass from Salyers, setting up Academy’s offense with another scoring opportunity.
CA’s offense was stifled, and Massick came on to try a career-long 50-yard field goal into the wind. The remarkable kicker stroked it, and the Vikes headed to the break with a 13-0 lead.
Wheelersburg came out swinging to begin the second half. The Pirates’ defense forced a fumble on Academy’s opening possession and set up shop at the Vikings’ 36-yard line. Wheelersburg established its ground game, feeding its running backs over and over. Finally, Evan Horsley rumbled into the end zone from short distance, slicing into the deficit.
Needing a touchdown to reverse the Pirates’ newfound momentum, Saling directed CA down the field. Aided by a dirty Wheelersburg hit that was flagged for targeting, the Vikes moved inside the 10-yard line. But Academy failed to score on a couple of confusing play-calls and though it was just 4th and 2, made the conservative decision to kick another field goal.
Recognizing their chance to pull within striking distance, the Pirates ripped through CA’s defense. They scored in 4 plays, making the Vikings’ advantage just 16-14 in the blink of an eye.
After the touchdown, Wheelersburg caught Academy sleeping and recovered their own onside kick. The Pirates’ offense was stuffed and lined up to punt, before reaching into their bag of tricks once more. They ran a fake, as Horsley hauled in a pass from the punter and weaved through the Vikings defense for a touchdown. The CA crowd was shell-shocked, as its team now trailed heading into the fourth quarter.
Academy desperately tried to respond, but it only led to more trouble. Wheelersburg picked off a deep ball by Saling, and its humming offense took the field. Again, the Pirates gashed the Vikings defense and took a commanding 28-16 lead after a trio of runs.
The nightmarish second-half only continued for CA on its ensuing drive. The Vikes fumbled in their own territory, and Wheelersburg recovered. The Pirates’ offense deftly capitalized, scoring one last touchdown to quell any hopes of an Academy comeback. The final seconds ticked off the clock, and the Vikings’ incredible season came to a close.
Despite the loss, CA had one of its greatest years in program history. The Vikes had less talent than in years prior, but blossomed into a special team because of the heart, energy, and unity they played with all season long.
Academy will lose an incredible senior class, and it will be tough for the team to recover, as the nine graduating players were major contributors to the team’s success this year. But an impressive junior class, along with promising underclassmen, should allow CA to reload next year.
It was an amazing season for the Vikings, who look to make the playoffs for a third straight year in 2018.
