Wake Forest had quite the successful homecoming this year with a 24 – 21 victory over Army. This past Saturday, the Deacs brought home their second win of the season, pulling up their record to 2 -2. Alumni from across the nation were ecstatic to celebrate the win during their homecoming visit.
In the first quarter, Wake quarterback John Wolford connected with Matt James for a 23-yard gain before being tackled by Army’s Geoffery Bacon. This play gave Wake Forest a first down at the 49-yard line. Wake running back Isaiah Robinson proved he’s a force to be reckoned with by demonstrating two successful carries for a gain of seven yards before making it to the 15 yard line, then he brought the ball home for a rushing touchdown with approximately 6:00 minutes left in the quarter. Robinson accounted for 40 of the 74 yards gained on the drive, making it hard to believe this was his first career-rushing touchdown.
With 4:02 left in the quarter, Wake Forest defensive lineman Zeek Rodney was escorted off the field for an undisclosed injury. After strategic rushing and passing, Army scored on a 5-yard rushing touchdown by Larry Dixon with :49 seconds left in the quarter to tie it up 7-7.
In the beginning seconds of the second quarter, Wolford threw to Cam Serigne for a 6-yard touchdown pass, Serigne’s first career receiving TD. A frustrated Angel Santiago eventually takes the ball by himself into the end zone for a touchdown, encouraging Daniel Grochoeski to connect perfectly with the ball for the extra PAT with 9:26 seconds left in the quarter. Army took their time to use strategic, small plays to make their way up the field before a completed pass from Walker to Mass gave Army another touchdown. With 2:23 left in the second quarter, the score now read 21 – 14 in Army’s favor, and stayed that way through halftime.
At the start of the third quarter, it looked like Army was about to score and Wake Forest fans were beginning to stress in the stands. However, a pitch was fumbled by Army quarterback Angel Santiago and recovered by WFU DE Zack Allen to bring the Deacons back in possession of the ball. They added a field goal to help close the gap before heading into the fourth.
When the fourth quarter started with Wake only down four points, Orville Reynolds broke for a 36 yard rush – the Deacs’ longest of the season. The Wolford/Scott duo struck again with another completed pass for a 12-yard touchdown pass with 6:45 left in the game. Army and Wake fought for possession of the ball, resulting in the second fumble of the game by Army, allowing Wake to recover with 2:47 remaining. A multitude of events unfold in the final seconds of the game, allowing the Demon Deacons to run the clock out and secure the homecoming victory, 24-21.
*Photo credits to Chuck Burton, Associated Press
