AIR FORCE ACADEMY — Sophomore safety Aaron Swift and junior center Tim Ross have seen Pikes Peak before, and both are familiar with the Air Force Academy.
But today, the two starters for the South Dakota Coyotes get their first experience of playing football against the Falcons. Both teams open their season today, with the Falcons hoping to have a fast start to a promising season, and the Coyotes looking to register a major upset for the second season in a row. Air Force has won its past six home openers, dating to a 56-14 loss to California in 2004.
South Dakota shocked the college football world last year by beating Minnesota 41-38 in Minneapolis.
Swift arrived at South Dakota from Eaglecrest High School in Centennial, and Ross traveled north from Arvada West. Both played against Minnesota.
Swift, who made an official recruiting visit to Air Force two years ago, sees the same emphasis on preparation for the Falcons as he saw a year ago before playing Minnesota.
“We’ve been preparing for this game most of preseason practice,” Swift said. “Our defense has to be disciplined. I never thought I’d be playing a game there. I decided to go to South Dakota over Air Force because I didn’t want the military stuff.”
Ross believes the Coyotes can match up with the Falcons physically.
“Our coaches had a great game plan for us last year against Minnesota,” Ross said. “It was a great game for us; everything went right. We’ve been preparing all practice, and if we go out and execute, I think we have a good chance.”
Ross wasn’t recruited by Air Force, but he has been on the academy grounds for other functions.
The Coyotes will find an Air Force team that has been anticipating the rush of the season’s opener.
“It’s completely different than any other game in the season because it’s the first game,” AFA senior safety Jon Davis said. “There’s a certain excitement about it that isn’t there for other games.”
Footnote. Air Force coach Troy Calhoun took a moment to field a question about talk of conference realignment and how it might involve Air Force.
Asked if he could see himself coaching an Air Force team playing outside of the Mountain West, Calhoun said: “I don’t see that. But that’s something well beyond the scope of players and coaches here at the Air Force Academy. We’re darn lucky to be in this league and associated with respected institutions.”
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
