The Matador team is paying tribute to each service academy by posting separate articles starting with the Air Force Falcons, Army Black Knights, and conclude with the Navy Midshipmen. These teams battle it out every year for the coveted Commander-in-Chief’s trophy. Navy has dominated in the past 6 years winning each season. Will Air Force or Army regain academy supremacy, or will Navy win again?
Air Force: Fisher DeBerry’s Air Force Falcons were the premier team among the service academies during his tenure. When DeBerry retired in December of 2006, he amassed an impressive 34-8 record against rivals Army and Navy. Needless to say, Air Force’s replacement to him was going to have some very large shoes to fill. On December 22nd 2006, the Falcons brought in former DeBerry assistant and Air Force grad Troy Calhoun to succeed him. Calhoun brought along with him an offensive mind that many were hoping would continue the tradition of Air Force’s dominance of the service academies.
In two years, Calhoun has gone 17-9 and Air Force has played in two consecutive bowl games. The Falcon’s 2008 season was impressive as Air Force rolled to an 8-2 record. The Falcons lost their final three contests against tough foes in BYU, TCU and Houston. Nevertheless, morale was high in Colorado Springs after the season. Fans of the program are anxious to see what this season beholds. QB Tim Jefferson was named Mountain West Offensive Newcomer of the Year. Jefferson hurt defenses with his legs last year but Calhoun has made it known that he would like Jefferson to become a potent passer as well. Jefferson and Air Force averaged only 82 yards a game passing last season. If Jefferson is to emerge as the passing threat the Calhoun envisions for his offense, either WRs Kyle Halderman or Kevin Fogler will have to step up.
The ground game will be led by Soph. tailback Asher Clark and junior fullback Jared Tew. The Falcons ranked 6th in the nation last year on the ground by averaging 266 yards a game. With an experienced offensive line returning, look for the Falcons to finish among the league’s best again on the ground.
Air Force returns 6 starters on defense led by safety Chris Thomas. Reggie Rembert, Air Force’s marquee cornerback and punt returner was suspended indefinitely during the spring for an undisclosed violation. Rembert led the defense in interceptions and had 943 all purpose yards last season. It would be a huge blow to the defense to lose him for the season. The Falcons will continue to thrive under Calhoun and could easily have another 9 win season. The potential is there and Calhoun has not shown anything to indicate that he plans on slowing down anytime soon.
