Quarterback Brady Hess ’21 weaves past defenders for a touchdown. (Josh Tu’21)

The 4th seeded Columbus Academy Vikings hosted the 13th seeded Coshocton Redskins on Saturday, October 17th, in Round 2 of the State Playoffs. This was Academy’s first home playoff game in 17 years, the last one from Academy’s State Title run in 2003.

Academy got off to a poor start in the first half with just one touchdown by running back Drake Bellasari ’22 and a field goal by kicker Jonah Houston ’21, failing to control the line of scrimmage the entire half. The Vikings entered halftime trailing 10-14 lacking any momentum or energy. 

Sophomore EJ Jenkins ’23 changed that instantly at the start of the second half, exploding for an 83-yard return on the opening kick. Quarterback Brady Hess ’21 ran the ball in for a touchdown just two plays later to give Academy its first lead in the game. From there on out, the Vikings were buzzing as Bellasari ran in two more and Hess tacked on another. Wideout Durell Moultrie ’21 had a game, breaking off multiple big plays for 77 yards. Bellasari ended the night with 156 yards and 3 scores, while Hess totaled 79 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Academy’s defense held strong, allowing only one score in the second half. Gyvnn Mendenhall ’22 forced and recovered a fumble, and Kevin Reeves ’22 broke up a pass that Parker Logan ’22 ran back for a pick-six. Christopher Sugar ’21 tacked on a couple of sacks as well. Houston also controlled the kicking game all night, forcing touchbacks on every kickoff except one and going perfect, as usual, on PATs.

Academy finished out the game 45 -24 and will host Harvest Prep at Hondros Field for Round 3 of the playoffs on Saturday, October 24th. Prep is looking for revenge after Academy ended their 38-game MSL win streak earlier in the season.