Louisiana Tech beats Army West Point 31-29 as late rally falls short

Army West Point football dropped a 31-29 road contest to Louisiana Tech, as a frantic late-game rally fell two points short in front of 18,326 fans at Joe Aillet Stadium. The loss moves the Black Knights to 2-2 overall and 1-1 in American Athletic Conference play, while Louisiana Tech also levels its record at 2-2.

Late Offensive Surge Falls Just Two Points Short

Trailing 31-22 with 2:17 remaining on the clock and facing a daunting 95-yard field from its own 5-yard line, Army mounted a rapid offensive response. Quarterback Cale Hellums engineered a 10-play, 95-yard drive that consumed just 1 minute and 10 seconds. The possession culminated in a 6-yard touchdown pass from Hellums to tight end Parker Poloskey with 1:07 left on the clock. Dawson Jones converted the subsequent point-after kick to narrow the deficit to 31-29. However, Army’s ensuing onside kick attempt sailed out of bounds, handing possession to Louisiana Tech at the Army 40-yard line. The Bulldogs subsequently kneeled twice to run out the remaining clock and seal the victory.

Statistical Breakdown at Joe Aillet Stadium

Louisiana Tech outgained Army 503 total yards to 421, fueled by standout performances from quarterback play and explosive rushing plays. For Army, Hellums completed 12 of 24 pass attempts for 151 yards and a touchdown, while adding 55 rushing yards, a rushing touchdown, and a two-point conversion on the ground. Slotback Samari Howard paced all rushers in the contest, recording a career-high 158 yards on 12 carries, which included a 54-yard touchdown scamper on the opening drive of the second half for his first career rushing score. Brady Anderson led the Black Knights through the air with four receptions for 79 yards, and Zach Mundell contributed three catches for 29 yards alongside a 21-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter.

Walton Anchors Defense as Penalties Shape Game

Linebacker Elijah Walton anchored the Army defense with 11 total tackles, tying a career high while adding a pass breakup. Teammates Zane Tallman and Jaydan Mayes chipped in six tackles each, with Tallman recording 1.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble. On the other side, Louisiana Tech’s offense capitalized on big plays, notably a 72-yard touchdown run by Dylone Brooks. Penalties also shaped the flow of the game; an early 46-yard deep pass from Hellums to Mundell that would have tied the score was nullified by a facemask penalty, though Army successfully recovered to punch in a 21-yard touchdown run moments later. Later in the contest, a targeting penalty against Louisiana Tech defender Alonzo Jackson Jr. resulted in his ejection and gifted Army 30 penalty yards deep in opponent territory.