Air Force Academy – Adam Fitch knows about ties that bind.
When Air Force plays Wyoming, Fitch feels the pull from Gillette, Wyo., which is home. But there’s a harder tug from his Falcons teammates. Fitch is preparing for the final meeting of his collegiate career between the Cowboys and Falcons on Saturday at Falcon Stadium.
“This is the last one,” Fitch said this week. “Wyoming is 2-1 against us during my time here, so we have to win this week to get it even.”
Fitch’s role in his senior season is unknown. He’s the leader of what coach Fisher DeBerry calls his blitz offense. Fitch and the team’s second unit enter the game when the coaching staff thinks the team needs a spark. The surprise worked well in Air Force’s first game, a 20-17 victory over Washington, but it was a nonfactor in Air Force’s 41-29 victory Saturday over San Diego State.
“It always will be part of our game plan,” DeBerry said. “I was disappointed in the intensity and the spark I hoped we’d see against San Diego State. Some games it’s going to work, some games it won’t.”
Fitch’s role against the Cowboys has been one of a pinch hitter. Last year, when he was slowed most of the season while recovering from an Achilles tendon injury, Fitch came off the bench for starter Shaun Carney in Laramie. Fitch completed 7-of-11 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown, but a fourth-quarter rally could not catch the Cowboys in a 43-26 loss.
Fan call
DeBerry and Wyoming coach Joe Glenn were disappointed by the empty seats Saturday at Falcon Stadium and War Memorial Stadium as each team played its home opener.
Saturday’s game at Falcon Stadium had been scheduled for television on SportsWest, but the network changed its mind last week.
“I don’t care if it’s on radio, television or walkie-talkie, people should go to games and not sit at home on their couches,” Glenn said. “They should come out and see for themselves.”
Air Force officials are looking for a crowd in the high 30,000s, still far short of a sellout. With Colorado and Colorado State idle, the noon game is the only major-college game in the state.
“I was very disappointed in our attendance last week,” DeBerry said. “Our team has come from behind and won both of our games, and I think we’re playing exciting football.”
Irv Moss can be reached at 303-820-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com.
