Academy’s offensive line (Courtesy/Alex L.)
The Vikings prevailed in their conquest to remain undefeated following the annual Charlie David Dinner on Friday, September 8, tallying another home win against the Newark Catholic Green Wave 35-14.
Newark Catholic started off hot as its quarterback Miller H. led with an 80-yard touchdown march on the first possession, taking the early lead 7-0. Neither team could find a spark afterwards as they traded possessions for the remainder of the first quarter.
Academy appeared to have found its footing following the short break, as quarterback Cole S. kept the ball and slid past defenders for a 30-yard gain. The Vikes fought all the way to the Green Wave but couldn’t cash in as Newark Catholic’s Alex U-V. intercepted a short pass intended for Harmon G. in the end zone.
The Viking defense forced a punt from the Green Wave and gave the offense the ball at their own 10 with 4:27 left in the half, still down 7.
In danger of having a scoreless half, the Vikes chipped away at Green Wave’s defense play by play, slowly making their way down to midfield. At the Green Wave 41, Cole executed a crucial 30-yard pass to Gabe D-R., significantly advancing the Vikes position to the 11-yard line. Cole found the endzone on the next play on a designed quarterback run, evening the score to 7-all as both teams headed into the locker rooms.
Rejuvenated by the break, Academy hit the ground running as Gabe and Cole kickstarted the drive, each with a 14-yard run to bring the Vikes into Green Wave territory. Academy continued with the constant pressure against Newark Catholic’s defense, pushing them back to the 4-yard line, where Cole both tallied his second rushing touchdown of the night and successfully converted for 2, giving the Vikings their first lead in the game at 15-7.
Newark Catholic couldn’t respond as the Vikes forced another punt, however, as this one was botched and was launched out of bounds at the Green Wave 40, proving a favorable field for the Viking offense. And capitalize they did, as on the very next play, Griffin B. dodged defenders on his way to the house for a 40-yard touchdown, extending their lead to 15 at the end of the third.
The Vikings forced another 4th down on the Green Wave, who elected to go for it on 4th and 10, hoping to cut their deficit. However, Will B. and Henry P. had different plans, taking down the quarterback and securing the turnover at the Viking 36.
Thereafter, momentum never stopped for the Vikes, as Cole found Harmon on a deep shot for 40 yards, bringing them deep into Green Wave territory. Griffin B. secured his second touchdown of the night after running it in from 14 yards out, extending the Viking lead to 22.
In danger of being blown out, Green Wave’s quarterback, Miller, launched a 23-yard deep ball to Jackson H., cutting the deficit to 15. Following a quick Academy 4-and-out, in an attempt to make a big play, Miller overthrew a pass which was intercepted by Ray P. and brought to the Green Wave 20. Cole sealed the game by claiming his third touchdown of the night from 1-yard out, bringing the final score to 35-14 after a missed field kick by Abe U.
It seems that the Vikings are finding their stride as they will put their 3-game win streak on the line when they host the Zanesville Blue Devils on Friday, September 13.
