For the second straight week, an Air Force victory meant player of the week honors for two Falcons.
Air Force seniors Aaron Kirchoff and Ryan Harrison were named the Mountain West Conference’s Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week, respectively, on Monday for their performances in last Thursday’s 23-10 victory over New Mexico. A week earlier, freshman quarterback Tim Jefferson and Harrison earned player of the week honors after the Falcons’ 29-28 victory over UNLV.
Kirchoff, a free safety, made four tackles, broke up a pass, forced a fumble and made the play that completely swung the game’s momentum on the last play of the first quarter.
New Mexico was up 10-0 and had the ball at the Air Force 12-yard line. Quarterback Brad Gruner took off on a run and made it to about the 5-yard line, but senior linebacker Brandon Reeves knocked the ball loose. Kirchoff grabbed the bouncing ball and went 96 yards for a game-changing score. It was the second-longest fumble recovery in Air Force history.
“It kept us in the game, and that changed the momentum,” Air Force freshman quarterback Tim Jefferson said of Kirchoff’s return.
Harrison, the Falcons’ kicking specialist, was named the league’s special teams player of the week for the second week in a row and third time in his career. Harrison averaged 41.5 yards on four punts and made all three of his field goal attempts (from 30, 43 and 32 yards). Harrison has made 16 of 18 field goals this season.
Kudos to Aaron and Ryan for attaining MWC weekly honors. Both of these men exemplify the type of team player that abounds and permeates Air Force athletics.
I can’t remember when AF had so many MWC POW selections this early in the season under Coach DeBerry. Maybe I’m missing something, but it looks like the program is getting relatively stronger performances more often from its guys. That has to bode well for future squads, and maybe even for the Falcons in this season’s later, more difficult games.
And Jake, no mystery from this end about why the blog is so well read. It’s informative, thoughtful, and is the best source of reliable AF athletic information and commentary on the web. Keep it up.
could you give us an update on the jv game against NMP?
Ryan Harrison should be getting All-American Honors…..He’s number 2 in the NCAA in Accuracy. (16/18) ..and we all know he has a great leg….Whats holding back the Buzz – punting? Kickoffs? …….Louie Sakoda? I’d take Harrison over Sakoda any day of the week!
Chicago — Thanks so much for the kind words.
Air Force Fan — I meant to talk to coach Calhoun about the JV squad yesterday, but I forgot. I put it in my notebook to do today.
afafan — Yes, I think Sakoda’s presence has been holding back the buzz a bit. That and the fact that Harrison has yet to connect (or even attempt) a long field goal. His long attempt was 48 yards against San Dieog State. His next longest (which he made) was 44 yards. That and, perhaps, the lack of a dramatic, walk-off game-winner like he had last season against TCU.
But you’re right, there are few kickers in the country that are more dependable than Harrison right now. And I have a feeling he’ll get a chance to kick some longer ones in the coming weeks.