Parker S. (Courtesy /@academyvikingsinstagram)
On Friday, November 7, the football team hosted Zane Trace for its first playoff game. Both teams finished out their regular season 8-2, making this an even matchup.
Zane Trace kicked off the ball, and the Vikings quickly advanced the ball down the field as Michael T. launched a deep ball to Charlie R. to station them at the 1-yd line. Gabe D-R. finished off the possession by running the ball into the endzone for a touchdown. The Pioneers earned the ball back but were kept out of the endzone by the Vikings defense, ending quarter one in a 6-0 lead for Academy.
The maroon and grey came out strong in the second quarter, forcing a fumble on defense to regain possession at Academy’s 1-yd line. Gabe D-R. racked up another touchdown for the Vikes on a 1-yd rushing touchdown. Academy ended its drive with a successful two-point conversion from Henry P. But the Pioneers bounced back, scoring a touchdown and making the score 14-7. The Vikings earned the ball back ,and Michael T. hits Charlie P. on a hitch pass and Charlie broke through five tackles to capture a 70-yd touchdown. The Vikings kept their foot on the gas as they recovered the ball on a punt return. With 18 seconds remaining, Gabe D-R. caught a dime from Michael T. and ripped through the Pioneer’s defense to tally another 6 points for the Vikings. The score read 28-7 going into halftime.
In the third quarter, Zane Trace started with the ball but Nick J. quickly put an end to its offensive possession as he intercepted the ball. Academy failed to capitalize on offense and turned the ball over. The Pioneers pushed through Academy’s defense, capturing a rushing touchdown to end the quarter 28-14.
Academy came out strong in the final quarter as Michael T. zipped a pass to Gabe D-R. in the back of the endzone. Their opponents responded with a touchdown on a short pass play, making the score 35-21. The Vikings got the ball back but were forced to punt due to a sloppy performance on offense. On the punt, Academy over-snapped the ball, giving Zane Trace a safety. This resulted in a 35-23 win for the Vikings.
Looking ahead, the team will host Nelsonville York on Friday, November 14, for the Division 5 Region 19 semifinals.
