Missouri Military Academy retained the Missouri military championship with a hard-fought 28-21 victory over arch-rival Wentworth Military Academy during Alumni Weekend festivities Saturday afternoon on Colonels Field.
The Colonels improved to 2-3 on the season with the victory as Wentworth fell to 1-4.
“This was a great game for us. The Colonels showed great perseverance, because when we were behind we were able to drive the ball down the field and recapture the lead and never give it up again,” said MMA head coach Capt. Brian Maher.
“I am very proud of the entire team, including the coaches, for their hard work during the week of practice, and especially during the game. I am glad that we could give all the alumni who were present for the game a good game and keep the Golden Football Trophy for another year.”
After a scoreless first quarter, MMA posted a 7-0 halftime lead on Luis Gonzalez’s 3-yard run and the PAT kick by Gabriel Villasenor.
The see-saw second half saw two MMA touchdown runs by Robert Carrillo, and a reverse for a TD by receiver Tanner Huff.
MMA had numerous defensive leaders, including Carrillo and Chris Henderson with 10 tackles and two sacks apiece, Jacey Drummond with a pair of interceptions and Will Judice with a pick-off.
Coaches selected the all-state military football team after the game. Named for the Colonels were Henderson, Carrillo, Gonzalez, Johanan Mansur, Huff and Anthony Wurl.