AIR FORCE ACADEMY — By design, parents weekend at the Air Force Academy celebrates the beginning of another football season for the Falcons.
A good time was had by all Falcons and their fans Saturday as coach Troy Calhoun’s second Air Force team strutted its stuff in a 41-7 victory, handing Southern Utah its 19th consecutive loss.
But the parents of cadets among the crowd of 39,180 couldn’t have asked for better weather, with temperatures in the mid-70s. Senior quarterback Shea Smith staged a solid performance in his first collegiate start as the Falcons gained 508 total yards and 29 first downs. He made it memorable with the first career rushing and passing touchdowns of his career.
“Mentally I felt like I was ready and I just tried to play my role,” said Smith, who replaced four-year starter Shaun Carney at the helm of the Air Force offense. “As a team we felt more comfortable as the game went on. I have a lot to improve on and have to just keep getting better.
“It’s always good to come out and get a win in game No. 1 no matter who the opponent is. We’re excited about playing a conference game next week (at Wyoming) and we’ll be ready for a tough one in Laramie.”
Air Force receiver Kyle Halderman contributed a 48-yard touchdown run as the noted replacement for graduated Chad Hall, the Mountain West Conference’s offensive player of the year in 2007.
“I don’t think I could ever replace Chad Hall,” Halderman said. “We’re two different people. I’m trying to make my own legacy, I guess you could say.”
Calhoun saw some wide eyes from his players as they prepared to start the game.
“I thought we were the tightest football team I’ve ever been around when we came out for pregame,” Calhoun said. “We had a bunch of players out there today who were playing in their very first college football game. It was evident. We have to develop as a team very rapidly. There were too many times the ball was on the ground (four fumbles, two lost) and we just can’t have that happen here.”
Smith’s composure and a strong effort by the Falcons’ defense soothed the anxiety. Smith rushed for 91 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries and completed 8-of-12 passes for 75 yards and a touchdown.
“I thought there was good continuity when Shea was out there,” Calhoun said. “I thought we needed his presence as a senior because we have so many young players. But we have to play firmer up front and play better around him.”
Air Force’s defense scored a first in school history with two safeties. The defense dominated the Thunderbirds so convincingly (allowing only 130 total yards), quarterback Cody Stone couldn’t get his team into Air Force territory until 6:02 remained in the third quarter. The Thunderbirds completed the 80-yard drive for their only points.
“I don’t think in college football there’s an easy game,” said AFA defensive end Jake Paulson. “Overall, we were pretty happy with our performance, but we have a lot of room to improve. We have a lot of room to grow.”
Stone, who was sacked four times and held to 123 yards passing, still was happy with his team’s effort.
“I thought we gave a good showing today against a quality I-A school,” he said.
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
KEY STAT
28 yards: With less than seven minutes left in the third quarter, Air Force’s defense had yielded only 28 total yards. The Thunderbirds finished with 130 total yards and just eight first downs.
KEY PLAY
Senior linebacker Brandon Reeves shot up the middle and tackled Southern Utah running back Kenny Apilli in the end zone for a safety and a 2-0 lead for Air Force with 8:08 left in the first quarter. It signaled a big day for the Air Force defense. The Falcons scored another safety, making it their first game with two safeties.
