AIR FORCE ACADEMY — Quarterback Tim Jefferson had talked previously about his desire to win the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy as a senior so he could visit Washington and meet President Obama.
Jefferson was disappointed last year when, as a junior, he discovered only seniors make the trip to the White House.
But early in Saturday’s game against Army, the Falcons were behind 14-0 and playing in a fog of fumbles and penalties.
“I won’t say I thought it was slipping away,” Jefferson said. “We’ve been down before. We knew we were in a hole. We had to cut down our penalties. That was the big difference in the first half.”
Jefferson wasn’t vocal at halftime. Reserve quarterback Connor Dietz supplied the verbal boost.
“I’m emotionally drained right now,” Jefferson said. “I don’t know how to explain it. I’m so happy. A couple of us were devastated when we found out only seniors went to Washington. A couple seniors told me we had to earn it and punch our own ticket.”
Jefferson wondered if Saturday’s victory was the most satisfying of his career.
“We didn’t play a complete game,” Jefferson said. “We played a lone half of great football and another half that was poor.”
Defensive stops.
Army moved into Air Force territory only twice in the second half, once to the AFA 48-yard line before punting and to the AFA 30 before quarterback Max Jenkins threw an interception.
Five Air Force defenders finished with double figures in tackles.
Brady Amack had 14, Jon Davis 12, Jordan Waiwaiole and Alex Means 11 and Patrick Hennessey 10.
Next up.
The Falcons wanted to wait until Monday to think about a return to Mountain West play and Saturday’s home game against Wyoming. The Falcons need two victories to become bowl eligible.
