Vikings storm the field following Senior Night celebrations (Courtesy/Alex L.)
The CA football team ripped through its archrival, Bexley, on Friday, October 4, holding the Lions to a scoreless game and demonstrating its offensive dominance that resulted in a 42-0 final score.
The Vikings hosted their annual Senior Night festivities preceding the game, honoring Isaac C., Josiah C., Anderson D., Craig E., Braeden F., Theo F., Harmon G., Joey G., Darrin H., Owen H., MJ J., Levi M., Michael M., Ray P., Kouros R., Cole S., and Sunil S., with Abe U. rounding off the list of 18 seniors.
Academy’s defense forced a quick 3-and-out and a meager 22-yard punt on the first drive of the game, providing the offense with considerable field position at the Bexley 31 and setting Cole S. up for a touchdown run from 3 yards out, allowing the Vikings to claim the early lead 7-0.
The Lions offense was once again met by an iron wall, unable to find any footing against the Viking defense, leading to another forced 33-yard punt and allowing Cole and his squad to regain possession at the Bexley 38. A signature Academy ground-based drive ensued, topped off by an 8-yard outside touchdown pass to Gabe D-R. in the closing seconds of the first quarter, putting the Vikings up 14-0.
Another failed offensive possession by the Lions once again gave Academy the ball back in Bexley territory, with the Vikings starting all their drives halfway up the field or more. The Vikings extended their lead by 7 following a 20-yard throw on the money from Cole to Charlie R., who scrambled down the sideline for the 40-yard score midway through the second quarter.
The start of Bexley’s next offensive possession seemed promising, as the Lions gained 43 yards from a deep throw. Yet, Academy pushed back with a quarterback sack by Will B., driving the Lions back 11 yards from the line of scrimmage and forcing yet another scoreless Bexley possession. Aided by a personal foul that brought the Vikings to their own 42, Cole launched a 38-yard rocket to Harmon G. who slipped past Bexley defenders for a 58-yard touchdown.
With less than two minutes left in the half, Michael M. picked off an overthrown pass from the Lions quarterback, and Academy seized the opportunity on the next play as Gabe claimed his second touchdown of the night from 33 yards out, allowing the Vikings to close out the half with a dominating score of 35-0.
The Vikings didn’t cool off a bit from the half as they received the second half kickoff and drove down the field with small chunk plays and ending any Bexley comeback dreams as Sunil S. made his Senior Night debut with a 4-yard touchdown run, bringing the score to 42-0.
The Viking offense let their foot off the pedal following this drive, meanwhile the defense closed out the game holding the Lions to a scoreless 48 minutes.
Academy looks to improve to 8-0 for the season as it travels to Worthington Christian on Thursday, October 10, to face off against the 3-4 Warriors.
