Air Academy RB Sam Beers has rushed for 12 TDs in the past two games
US AIR FORCE ACADEMY — Lightning threatened before game time and rain drizzled down as well, but Sam Beers brought the thunder all game long.
The freshman sensation, who scored seven touchdowns last week against George Washington, had five more for Air Academy as it routed the Cheyenne Mountain 44-6 on Friday night.
Beers’ longest touchdown of the night was a 31-yard run right before the end of the first half. He finished the night with 199 rushing yards.
“Our O-line helps a lot and our tight ends and wide receivers help,” said Beers. “They block for me and God helps me. I see the other team and where they align. I just try and find the hole and go that way.”
Said Air Academy coach Scott Grinde: “He has a great offensive line. They do a fantastic job. I can’t give enough credit to those guys.”
Just four games into his high school football career, Beers now has 12 touchdowns and is now averaging more than 150 rushing yards per game.
Asked about making the transition to high school football, Beers said, “It’s kind of hard but my guys and my coaches are helping me. Coach Grinde had taught me so much and I love him, and I want to thank him for everything he’s taught me.”
“I’m glad he’s on our team,” Grinde said. “He has great instincts (and) he sees things better than a lot of older guys with his vision. He knows where to go and he’s a powerful guy. He squatted 400 pounds in the summer (and) probably could have done more, so he’s got a lot of strength to go with that speed and there’s a direct correlation between those but (he’s) just a hard-working kid.”
Air Academy’s defense held strong, forcing several turnovers and even recovering their own punt when the Indians were slow to react. A Cheyenne Mountain touchdown in the final seconds of the game was but a small blemish on an otherwise remarkable night for the Kadets.
“I told those guys early, ‘Some of you are going to be countered on and you’re going to have to grow up in a hurry,” Grinde said. “(Sam has) done that. He loves football. I think that’s a strength (because) there are some kids that don’t love it and they still play well but he loves football. Again, we’re really fortunate to have Sam. He’s a very humble kid and I’m very proud of him.”
