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FB: Falcons Defeat Black Knights 24-14

Nov. 5, 2011
Associated Press

AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Quarterback Tim Jefferson scored twice and Air Force rallied from a 14-point halftime deficit to beat Army 24-14 Saturday and retain the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy.

After being outgained on the ground by 230 yards in the first half, the Falcons (5-4) outscored the Black Knights 21-0 in a third-quarter blitz that included two field goals, two touchdowns, a two-point conversion and two takeaways.

Parker Herrington kicked a career-high three field goals for the Falcons, who recovered fumbles that allowed them to start drives at the Army 29, 19 and 14 in the second half.

Until its meltdown, Army (3-6) looked primed to end its 11-game skid against the service academies and win a share of its first Commander trophy since 1996.

The Falcons were fortunate to only be trailing 14-0 at halftime. Air Force stopped Army on fourth down twice in the red zone. The Black Knights were denied once at the 1, and they also lost fumbled through the back of the end zone for a touchback.

Air Force started the second half with a drive that ended in Herrington's 37-yard field goal. After a punt, Jefferson's 2-yard keeper and Asher Clark's 2-point conversion run pulled Air Force to 14-11.

Army quarterback Max Jenkins fumbled the snap on the ensuing drive and that led to Herrington's 39-yard field goal that tied the score at 14.

The Black Knights then bungled a fake punt, and linebacker Stephan Atrice scooped up the ball at the Army 14. Four plays later, Jefferson's 1-yard TD run gave Air Force a 21-14 lead.

Early in the fourth quarter, Jon Davis stripped Army fullback Jared Hassin and returned the fumble to the Army 19. Herrington followed with a 39-yarder that gave the Falcons a 24-14 lead.

The Falcons sealed the win with Davis' interception deep in Air Force territory with four minutes left.

The Black Knights have now lost five consecutive road games and a their last game against the Falcons.

Air Force beat Navy 35-34 in overtime last month and won its second straight Commander-in-Chief's Trophy and the accompanying White House trip for the seniors.