With its first playoff berth in a decade on the line, the Columbus Academy football team took care of business against London. The Vikes blew out the Red Raiders 37-0 and punched their ticket to the Division 5 playoffs.

Although the Vikings were heavy favorites in this matchup, it was London that came ready to play. The Red Raiders’ defense stopped Academy’s offense on its first drive then intercepted a pass from senior quarterback Nick Stringer on its second.

But, London’s success was short-lived, as the Vikes offense soon turned it on. First, Stringer connected with sophomore receiver Dorrian Moultrie, who made a lunging catch in the back corner of the end zone for a 29-yard touchdown. Moultrie has been one of the Vikings’ best receivers this year.

Soon after, Stringer hit the shifty junior Jerome Buckner on a short route, and who made several defenders miss before jogging into the end zone to give the Vikes a 13-0 lead.

After Academy’s defense got yet another stop, the Vikes offense capitalized. Stringer threw a screen to Buckner, who made an incredible play, reversing field, and outracing everyone to the pylon to extend the Vikings lead.

After freshman kicker Sam Massick tacked on a field goal, the Vikes headed to the locker room holding a comfortable 23-0 halftime lead. The break was no interruption for Academy’s electric offense, however, as it picked up right where they left off in the third quarter.

Stringer hooked up with sophomore Chris Boyle in the end zone for his fourth touchdown pass of the night. Boyle is quickly emerging as one the most dangerous weapons in Academy’s passing game.

Then, with a 30-0 lead heading into the fourth quarter, junior Josh Pearson capped off the win with a 4-yard rushing touchdown.

It was a huge win for Academy, as it clinched its first playoff berth in years. The 6th-seeded Vikes will travel to Milan to play the 3rd-seed Edison on Saturday, November 5, in the first round.