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After opening the season with a 1-2 record, the varsity football team has found its footing, securing consecutive victories over Granville and Worthington Christian. The Vikings 36-14 upset against Granville on Thursday, September 10, marked a historic milestone for head coach Robin Miller, who earned his 84th career win to become the winningest head football coach in Academy history. The team carried that momentum into its first conference matchup, defeating Worthington Christian 28-7 on Friday, September 18, to improve its record to 3-2.
The Vikings began their season with a commanding 36-6 victory over Northland before suffering losses to Jonathan Alder, 36-12, and Heath, 24-18. Entering their fourth game with a losing record, the team recognized that improvements in execution would be necessary to turn the season around. “We were slipping up on a lot of the little things, and that was [contributing to] the bigger picture of us losing,” said team captain Rey P. In preparation for Granville, the Vikings emphasized attention to detail, ensuring players understood their assignments, ran the correct routes, and executed plays at the right time.
The team’s preparation would be put to the test against Granville, which entered the matchup as a 25-point favorite. Despite facing a larger opponent and operating with a smaller roster, the Vikings remained confident to compete. “We always have confidence in ourselves coming into every game, never thinking that we’re gonna lose,” Ray said.
That confidence translated into an energetic start, but Ray identified a defensive interception by senior Charlie P. as a turning point. The play helped shift momentum toward the Vikings, who capitalized on the opportunity with an offensive scoring drive.
The defense continued to fuel the team’s success throughout the game. Ray highlighted junior Rylan M. and Charlie P. for their performances, crediting their contributions with motivating the rest of the team and helping establish a defensive presence that carried over to the offense and special teams.
The Vikings secured a 36-14 victory. Charlie recorded two touchdowns, while Benji G. added a pick-six. Senior Terrence O. also contributed a touchdown and a successful two-point conversion.
Beyond improving their record to 2-2, the victory carried historical significance for the football program. Miller’s 84th career win established him as the winningest head football coach in Academy history, a milestone the players had not known was approaching. “Nobody had known prior to the game,” Perez said, adding that Miller would not have wanted the achievement to overshadow the team’s success.
Rey credited Miller’s dedication to organizing practices and preparing players for competition, emphasizing the coach’s attention to the details that contribute to the team’s performance. “Everything he does in the week, to our practice plan, to the way practice functions… is all flown through him,” Ray said.
With their nonconference schedule complete, the Vikings turned their attention to Worthington Christian on Friday, September 18. Ray emphasized the importance of carrying the team’s improved execution into conference play, particularly against an opponent he believed had strengthened in recent years. “It’s important that you always come out on the first conference game with a bang,” he said. He recognized that a decisive victory would establish the Vikings’ intentions for the remainder of the conference schedule.
The team delivered on that goal, defeating Worthington Christian 28-7 to secure its second consecutive victory and open conference play with a 1-0 record. Baron D. led the scoring effort with two touchdowns, while Michael T. and Charles P. each added one. The Vikings also received an important special teams contribution from Sophomore Ethan P., who made a tackle on a fourth-quarter kickoff.
The win brought Academy’s overall record to 3-2, marking a turnaround from its early-season struggles and providing momentum as the team moves further into conference competition.
With two consecutive victories behind them, the Vikings aim to maintain that focus as they pursue their goal of winning the conference and advancing to next week’s matchup against Bexley at home.
