Air Force Academy – Adam Zanotti’s 98-yard fumble return for a touchdown Friday night against Army was a run heard around the world.
Well – except for interested military personnel – maybe not all the way around the world, but it certainly was heard in West Point, N.Y., Colorado Springs and Bay City, Mich.
At West Point, Zanotti’s run ended an Army threat and put Air Force ahead 7-0 and on the way to a 43-7 victory. For those watching and listening in Colorado Springs, it signaled the Falcons were on their way to ending a two- game losing streak.
The news traveled fast to Bay City, where Bay City Central, Zanotti’s high school, was playing a football game.
“They announced it over the PA system during the game,” Zanotti said Monday. “I still have three cousins playing. They were down 14-0 at the time, but they came back and won 22-21. Maybe it changed the momentum in that game, too.”
Zanotti called his big play somewhat of a “fluke.” He believes he and Army quarterback Carson Williams were the only players who saw the ball on the ground.
“It was kind of luck,” Zanotti said. “I was right there to pick it up and the next thing, I was in the end zone. It couldn’t have happened any better. Being right there in Michie Stadium and on national television, it was awesome.”
Brian Knorr, Zanotti’s coach, wasn’t surprised. The Falcons had just gone to a defense with three strong safeties, and Zanotti was in the game for the first time on a play from scrimmage.
“He has a great understanding of the game and knows where to be on the field,” Knorr said. “We really hadn’t stopped them and then all of a sudden we have all the momentum.”
Zanotti hasn’t been one of the highest-profile players in his first three years, but the return has put him on the map during his senior season.
“It has been an uphill battle and I’ve gotten the opportunity to play on defense a little this year,” Zanotti said. “It’s weird. When I got back, I had all these messages from people saying ‘great job.”‘
One of his messages surely came from his older brother, C.J. Zanotti, a former standout linebacker at Air Force.
“He always told me to stay positive and to stick with it,” Zanotti said. “He said I’d get my chance, and I listened because he’s been through it. I was excited for him when he was playing and he’s excited for me. I can say I scored a touchdown. He never did.”
Notebook
Chad Hennings, a former Air Force All-American, will be honored at halftime Saturday against Notre Dame. Hennings is a 2006 inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Irv Moss can be reached at 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com.
