West Point Blanks Delaware State in Home Opener

WEST POINT – The Army West Point football team kicked off the 100th season of Michie Stadium with a statement victory, defeating Delaware State in the home opener 57-0.
Saturday was Army’s largest margin of victory in a shutout win since defeating Columbia (60-0) on Oct. 27, 1956.

Saturday was also Army’s first shutout victory since 2020, defeating Navy, 15-0.
Army totaled 525 total yards, the first-time posting 500+ yards in a game since 2021, while scoring seven offensive touchdowns on the day, led by junior QB Bryson Daily who had three passing touchdowns and two on the ground. Daily finished passing 8-11 for 193 yards and added nine carries for 65 yards.

Junior WR Isaiah Alston set a career high with 135 receiving yards with two touchdowns on three receptions. Alston became the first Army receiver with 130+ receiving yards and two TDs since Jeremy Trimble did so twice in the 2007 season. Alston joins only Trimble (twice), William White (2003), and Aaron Alexander (2003), as Army players to eclipse these totals in a single game since 1996.

On the opening drive of the game, Army’s OLB Trey Sofia sacked Delaware State QB Aaron Angelos on third-down to complete an opening drive three and out for the Black Knights defense, Sofia’s first full sack of his career.

On Army’s opening drive offensively, sophomore Zach Mundell made his collegiate debut, recording a reception for seven yards. On the drive, the Army offense faced a fourth-and-2 from the Delaware State 17-yard line, which RB Jakobi Buchanan plunged forward for a gain of three and a first down. The 10-play drive was capped off on a 13-yard touchdown run by QB Bryson Daily. Army would line up for the extra point but fake it with a direct snap which was converted on a run by RB Hayden Reed, to take an 8-0 lead with 8:00 in the first quarter.

On Army’s second offensive drive, Daily connected with WR Isaiah Alston on a double-move down the right sideline for a 59-yard touchdown, Alston’s fifth career receiving touchdown and Daily’s first career passing touchdown to take a 15-0 into the second quarter.

Army would find the endzone again with 8:01 in the second quarter, on Daily’s second rushing touchdown of the game, from four yards out to extend the Black Knights lead 22-0.

The Hornets moved the ball into Army territory on the ensuing drive, before being faced with a fourth-and-one from the Black Knights 30-yard line. On the play, Chris Frey and Spencer Jones were able to get into the backfield and force the turnover on downs on an attempted dive play.

Army got all 70 yards on one play to find the end zone on its ensuing drive, with Daily hitting Alston on a quick slant where the Army receiver burned through the secondary for a career-long 70-yard touchdown catch.

The Army defense continued its dominant first half, with Jack Latore pouncing on a loose ball in the backfield to give the Black Knights an immediate red zone opportunity. The Cadets converted on the first play of the drive once again, with Daily hitting Tyson Riley in stride for a 16-yard touchdown connection. Maretzki knocked in his fourth PAT of the ballgame to make it a 36-0 Army advantage.

Getting the ball back with just under three minutes to play, Delaware State moved the ball deep into Army territory, eventually setting up a first and goal from the seven-yard line.

Eventually and third and long with the goal to go, Kyle Lewis broke free from the right edge to complete a strip-sack and recovery to give Army the ball back and secure the first half shutout. Freshman QB Champ Harris made his Army debut in the closing seconds of the half, completing a pair of passes to Casey Reynolds for 20 yards. Cole Talley attempted a 58-yard field goal as time expired, with it missing wide right.

In the second half, Army kept the gas on scoring three more touchdowns, one in the third quarter and two in the fourth quarter. Freshman QB Larry Robinson made his collegiate debut and scored his first touchdown on a 23-yard run. Another freshman, RB Kayne Udoh also scored his first touchdown on a five-yard run.