Brady Hess’21 drops back and scans field for an open receiver. (Jenny L’Hommedieu’19/Media)
Just as it seemed to be shifting into gear, the CA football team was halted on Thursday, September 20, as the Vikings suffered a road loss to Whitehall, 37-23.
It was a nightmarish start for Academy. The Rams received the kickoff and hit the gas, with senior Raymell Byrd scoring on a quarterback draw to cap off the drive.
The Vikes’ first possession didn’t go as smoothly. Senior Dorrian Moultrie fumbled on the opening play, and Whitehall pounced on the loose ball. The Rams capitalized, tearing down the field in a matter of seconds and punching it in from 4 yards out. The extra point was missed, and Whitehall’s advantage stayed at 13-0.
CA again couldn’t muster a response, and the Rams threw another haymaker. Whitehall worked its way down to the 1-yard line and powered across to extend the lead.
In danger of being blown out, the Vikings finally woke up in the second quarter. Junior Sam Massick stroked 34-yard field goals on back-to-back possessions to cut the deficit to 20-6. The Rams responded by splitting the uprights on a kick of their own, giving Academy the ball with under 25 seconds remaining in the half.
Aided by a pair of penalties, the Vikes quickly moved into the red zone, and Massick buried a 36-yarder as the clock expired.
Whitehall regained control in the third period. Byrd broke loose for a 39-yard touchdown, and it looked as though the Rams had finally put CA away.
Trailing 30-9 as the fourth quarter began, the Vikings wouldn’t go down quietly. Sophomore quarterback Brady Hess put a deep throw on the money, and Moultrie reeled it in before dragging his defender into the end zone with him.
On the ensuing Whitehall possession, sophomore Matthew Derzon punched the ball loose, and senior Hayden Compton recovered. Academy cashed in, as Hess connected with Moultrie on another touchdown bomb to pull within 7.
The Vikes forced a turnover on downs, and they took over on offense with time winding down and an opportunity to tie the game. The Rams held firm for three straight plays, bringing up fourth down.
Rather than going for it, Coach Robin Miller made the regrettable decision to punt. Byrd made him pay, bolting 70 yards to the house and icing the game.
The defeat will be a tough pill for CA to swallow. The Vikings need to heat up in the second half of the season to earn a playoff berth. Academy will look to rebound on Friday, September 28, as the Vikes host a talented London squad.
