Vikings’ defense sprints after Sam Massick’20 kicks off. Sarah Neltner’20/ Media
The CA football team kept its playoff hopes afloat on Friday, October 19, blowing the doors off of Liberty Union, 47-7.
Senior Night festivities preceded the contest, as Keenan Bellisari, Chris Boyle, Kyle Channell, Deven Cobb, Hayden Compton, Caleb Crawley, Jordan Dearing-Hardiman, Dalyn DeCree, Harry Mills, and Dorrian Moultrie were honored. After a beautiful rendition of the national anthem by Channell, one last 2018 home football game at Hondros Field was underway.
The Vikings settled for a 36-yard field goal from junior kicker Sam Massick on their opening drive, but didn’t have to wait much longer for a trip to the end zone. On the first play of the ensuing possession, classmate Carter Warstler picked off a pass and took it 28 yards for a touchdown. In the blink of an eye, Academy had raced out to a double-digit lead.
Unfortunately for the Lions, the flurry wasn’t over. Liberty Union was forced to punt and an electric return by Moultrie allowed the Vikes to set up shop inside the 10-yard line. Massick split the uprights from 26 yards away to give CA a 13-0 advantage. The Lions then booted it away again, and this time, the Vikings found paydirt. They quickly moved down near the goal line, before sophomore Brady Hess rolled right and zipped a 2-yard touchdown to Moultrie.
Needing a spark to end the quarter, Liberty Union came up empty against the stingy Academy defense. The Vikes got the ball back, and Hess immediately snapped off another throw to Moultrie, who broke a tackle and bolted up the sideline for a gain of 41. Warstler did the rest, scampering to the end zone from 22 yards out to make it 27-0.
The Lions marched into CA territory, but gave away their scoring opportunity, as Warstler ripped down an ill-advised throw for his second interception of the night. The Vikings wasted no time converting the takeaway into points. On the very next play, Dearing-Hardiman burned his defender and plucked a bullet from Hess with his left hand, before taking it to the house for an 89-yard score.
Academy stifled Liberty Union again, and had a chance to extend its lead before the half. The Vikes did just that, as Massick chipped in a 19-yarder to give his team a 37-0 advantage at the break.
Though the Lions threatened to score at the start of the third period, they eventually turned it over on downs. CA made them pay, as Moultrie took a bubble screen from Hess and weaved 74 yards for a touchdown.
Liberty Union finally got on the board with an 8-yard rushing score to begin the fourth quarter, but it was much too late. Massick tacked on a 38-yard field goal, his fourth of the night, and the Vikings coasted to the finish line with a resounding victory.
If the chips fall right, Academy could still punch a ticket to the playoffs. The Vikes will close out their regular season on Friday, October 26, with a must-win clash at Grandview Heights.
