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It was quite the day for the Army West Point football team, as they defeated rival Air Force at Michie Stadium, retained the CIC Trophy, and moved to 7-2 on the season.
The team set the tone from the outset with one of the most impressive football drives in recent memory. The TWENTY ONE PLAY, 75 yard drive took 12:55 off the clock and was a sign of things to come. The Black Knights overcame not one, but two illegal block penalties and a personal foul as they set themselves back 15 yards three times but still continued their march down the field that ultimately resulted in a Darnell Woolfolk one yard touchdown.
A heavy dose of Woolfolk on the opening drive saw him get nine touches, including the TD, but Kelvin Hopkins, Jr. continued to show how dangerous he is through the air as well as he found Jordan Asberry twice following penalties to keep the drive going. The second time was an absolutely beautiful catch on the sideline by Asberry that got Army down to the one yard line for the Woolfolk score.
Black Knights lead 14-0 at the half.
— Army WP Football (@ArmyWP_Football) November 3, 2018
Take a at some highlights. #GoArmy pic.twitter.com/dNNjbpziZZ
I honestly believe that had Hopkins not connected with Asberry for the 22 yard strike, there is a solid chance Army could have broken Navy’s record for longest drive. It was that impressive!
Anyways, beyond just a 13 minute drive, the Army defense wouldn’t let Air Force find its way on the scoreboard in the first half, and was able to hold them on downs when the game got close, securing the victory and showing just how balanced this Black Knights squad is.
Let’s take a look at who the top individual performers were for the week and crown some CIC MVPs!
CIC Offensive MVP: Darnell Woolfolk, FB, Army
Woolfolk was the heart and soul of the Army offense all game. Hopkins continued to perform well and keeps the train on the tracks, but it was clear from the beginning the factor Woolfolk would play in the win. Getting nine carries on the first drive and sealing it with a one-yard TD, Woolfolk would also highlight Army’s other touchdown drive in the first half, picking up 52 yards on a 4th and 1 that set Hopkins up for a 6 yard TD scamper.
The senior finished with 21 carries for 117 yards and the one TD, playing major roles in each scoring drive and moving his career mark to 32 rushing touchdowns.
CIC Defensive MVP: James Nachtigal, LB, Army
Mike Reynolds picked up his second interception of the season, Cole Christiansen came up with several big plays including a huge tackle for a loss on third down of Air Force’s final drive, but it was the play of Nachtigal that continues to pace the Army defense. The senior linebacker from Wisconsin finished with eleven tackles including stuffing Air Force quarterback Donald Hammond on fourth down to seal the game for the Black Knights!
CIC Special Teams MVP: John Abercrombie, K, Army
The former Sprint Football player continues to be perfect on the season, and his 30 yard field goal would prove to be the deciding points in the game, ultimately securing the three point victory for Army. Abercrombie is now 6/6 on FG attempts and 26/26 on XPs this year, adding to the balance Army is finding across the board as its impressive season continues.
That’s right, it’s a clean sweep by Army this week as they have retained the CIC Trophy in West Point for another season. They can win it outright by defeating Navy in December, but having the trophy for consecutive seasons for the first time in program history is a huge feat and testament to what Jeff Monken has done along the banks of the Hudson!