Cole S. hands off to Joey G. on the 2-point conversion. (Courtesy/Chang L.)
The CA Football team delivered a spectacle under the Friday Night Lights at Hondros Field on Friday, September 13, pummeling the Zanesville Blue Devils 39-0.
The Vikings came out blazing as quarterback Cole S. kept the ball and took it to the house for an 80-yard touchdown on the third play of the opening drive, clenching the lead at 7-0. Fumbling kick returns seems to be a recurring theme this season, as after the Viking defense forced a quick 3-and-out, a muffed return allowed the Blue Devils to regain possession at the Viking 47.
Academy’s defensive squad made quick work of them, stopping the Blue Devils dead in their tracks as they elected to go for it on fourth down. Academy stuck with their ground-game, hammering Zanesville’s defense on every play and consistently advancing further down the field. The Vikes began to pull away as Cole tallied his second touchdown of the night from one-yard out, as Joey G. dashed into the endzone for two, closing out the first quarter 15-0.
Academy’s defense shut the Blue Devils down, forcing another punt to open the second quarter. Abe U. kickstarted the drive with a 19-yard run to midfield, where Cole picked up 17 for himself and an extra 15 for unsportsmanlike conduct by the Blue Devils. Joey showcased his speed from 16-yards out, finding the endzone after a hand-off from Cole, extending the Viking lead by 7.
In a last-ditch effort with less than 2 minutes in the half, the Blue Devils fought their way to the Viking 39, but they couldn’t capitalize as Michael M. intercepted a lateral pass, giving the ball back to the Vikes with 1:38 left on the clock. Gabe D-R. turned on the jets for a 45-yard run, which was called back due to an offensive holding penalty, yet Gabe proved it wasn’t just a fluke as he dodged past defenders for a 65-yard score on the very next play. The Blue Devils couldn’t muster a response, and both teams headed up the hill with the Vikings having a 29-point cushion at the half.
Zanesville still couldn’t find their tempo after the break, resulting in another 3-and-out and forced punt for the Viking defense. Academy didn’t cool off one bit, as Harmon G. reeled in a 56-yard deep ball from Cole on the first play, bringing the Vikings to the Blue Devil 10. Griffin B. finished the job, running the ball in from two-yards out and bringing the Vikes to 36, one step closer to victory. The Blue Devils still couldn’t find a spark as Academy’s defense forced yet another punt to close out the third quarter. The Vikings struck the final nail into the coffin as Abe drilled the ball between the uprights for a 29-yard field goal, bringing the final score to 39-0.
Following this tremendous show of force, Academy will travel to St. Charles and face off against the undefeated Cardinals for the Vikings first away game this season on Friday, September 20.
