Army Prevails in 2OT Thriller with Miami (OH)

WEST POINT – The Army West Point football team captured a 31-30 double-overtime thriller against Miami (OH) on Saturday afternoon to remain unbeaten at home this season.

After spending more than a month away from their home turf, the Black Knights defended Michie Stadium for the 10-straight game to extend their home winning streak.

Sophomore Cam Thomas made his first career start under center and led the Black Knights’ rushing offense with a career-best 139 yards and a touchdown. He was aided in the ground game by senior Darnell Woolfolk, who added a pair of rushing scores on top of 96 yards.

Cole Christiansen posted an impressive game on the defensive end, coming away with a career-best 13 tackles and 3.5 tackles-for-loss. Cameron Jones and James Nachtigal pitched in with seven tackles apiece.

On Army’s opening drive, the Black Knights racked up 54 yards over the course of 12 plays to take the early 7-0 edge. Woolfolk finished off the team’s first possession with a two-yard score for his 29th career rushing touchdown.

The Black Knights added to their lead early in the second period after Andy Davidson scampered in from 11-yards out. That rush capped a 74-yard, 15 play drive that put Army up 14-0. Davidson earned his 19th career rushing touchdown during that time.

Miami (OH) wasted little time and countered with a Gus Ragland 13-yard touchdown toss to Kenny Young that cut the Black Knights’ edge in half at 14-7. The RedHawks’ offense totaled 52 yards over four plays during that two-minute drive.

Right before half, the RedHawks halted the Black Knights’ attempt to score a third touchdown in as many drives when their defense stopped Woolfolk on a 4th-and-goal situation.

Army would eventually get another shot in the second half and capitalized once Thomas punched one in from 1-yard out to cap an eight-play, 80-yard drive. That touchdown handed the Cadets a 21-7 advantage with just one period left to play.

Miami (OH) would not give up, however, scoring two late touchdowns in the final frame to pull even at 21-all. The RedHawks registered their first score on a 3-yard connect from Ragland to Dom Robinson with 4:23 remaining. Then after forcing a 3-and-out, the visitors used 3:11 of the final 3:28 to knot the score and send the game into overtime following a Ragland pass to Nate Becker from 5-yards out.

The RedHawks struck first in overtime when Sam Slowman converted on a 33-yard field goal attempt, handing the visitors their first lead of the game.

Army answered with a field goal of its own, a 37-yard kick by Abercrombie that closed out a seven-play, five-yard drive by the Black Knights. Abercrombie’s field goal evened the score at 24-24.

During the second overtime, the Cadets handed the ball off to their veteran fullback in Woolfolk, who found paydirt from seven-yards out. The touchdown sealed Army’s four-play, 25-yard drive.

Miami (OH) unfortunately responded with a touchdown of its own, and decided to go for the win on a two-point conversion. The Black Knights’ defense came up huge, however, tackling the RedHawks shy of the end zone.

The Black Knights will look to continue their winning ways Saturday when they travel to Eastern Michigan for a noon kickoff.

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