Academy gears for a punt. (Sarah Neltner’20/Media)

On Friday, October 25, the CA football team earned a key win over Grandview, 28-7, in a game that was overshadowed by a threatening injury.

The Vikes started with good field position following a Bobcats squib kick and immediately established the run with several handoffs to sophomore running back Carter James. Coach Robin Miller called a trick play to give senior lineman, Philip Soderberg, a rushing touchdown. The play worked, giving the Vikings a 7-0 lead.

After the early score, both defenses settled and exchanged punts. On the next Bobcat possession, a long pass play allowed Grandview to set up shop deep in the red zone. A quick QB run tied the game, 7-7.

CA called a long pass play of its own. Senior Carter Warstler hauled in a deep bomb from quarterback Brady Hess’21 to give Academy a 14-7 lead.

Late in the second quarter, one play changed the trajectory of the game. Playing on the defensive side of the ball, junior linebacker Matt Derzon took a hard shot to the head and neck area. He lay motionless on the field.

After 15 minutes, he was lifted onto a stretcher and transported to the hospital, where doctors believe he escaped long-lasting effects from the neck injury. All signs appear that he will be okay.

After this, both teams were shaken up. They returned to the turf after a 3-minute warm-up period. But each side appeared sluggish for the remainder of the first half, which ended 14-7.

Even after the half, it was apparent that neither side was focused on the game. Warstler found the endzone a second time early in the 3rd quarter, while the defense held the Bobcats scoreless in the second half. Hess finished the game’s scoring with a QB sneak.

After this key 28-7 win, the Vikings are in prime position to make the playoffs with a win over Bexley on Friday, November 1, at Bexley.