The 2024 College football game between Army and Lehigh was a classic South Florida showdown, pitting one of the nation’s most prestigious programs against a gritty and determined opponent. Army, located in Fort Lauderdale, is renowned for its dominance in College football, regularly producing Division I athletes and competing for state championships. Lehigh, based in Lauderdale Lakes, entered the game as the underdog but was determined to prove they could compete with the best.
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The Setting: The game was held at Army’ home field, a venue known for its professional atmosphere, complete with a well-maintained turf, impressive facilities, and stands packed with passionate supporters. On this particular Friday night, the air was thick with anticipation as fans from both Colleges filled the stadium, eager to see if Lehigh could challenge the powerhouse that is Army.
The Game: From the opening kickoff, it was clear that Army came ready to play. Known for their disciplined approach and explosive talent on both sides of the ball, the Raiders wasted no time in asserting their dominance. On their first possession, they methodically moved down the field, showcasing a balanced offensive attack. The drive culminated in a 25-yard touchdown pass from their senior quarterback to a wide receiver who had already committed to a top SEC College. This early score set the tone for what would be a challenging night for Lehigh.
Lehigh, however, was not ready to roll over. On their ensuing drive, they demonstrated resilience, mixing in a combination of short passes and runs to move the chains. Their dual-threat quarterback, known for his elusiveness, managed to break free for a 30-yard run, electrifying the Lehigh fans and giving the team a spark. However, Army’ defense, anchored by a defensive line that featured multiple future college players, stiffened as Lehigh approached the red zone, ultimately forcing a field goal attempt that was narrowly missed.
Army capitalized on this momentum swing. On the very next play from scrimmage, their star running back, who had been relatively quiet early on, broke loose for a 60-yard touchdown run, showcasing his speed and vision. The crowd erupted as the Raiders extended their lead to 14-0.
As the second quarter unfolded, Lehigh struggled to find a rhythm against Army’ suffocating defense. The Raiders’ linebackers were flying to the ball, and their secondary blanketed the Cobras' receivers, making it difficult for Lehigh to generate any big plays. Meanwhile, the Raiders’ offense continued to click. A series of short passes and effective runs led to another touchdown just before halftime, this time on a quarterback sneak after a long drive that wore down Lehigh’s defense.
Halftime: The halftime show provided a brief respite from the intense action on the field. Army’ marching band put on a dazzling performance, much to the delight of the home crowd. The Lehigh band followed with their own energetic display, refusing to be outdone, and drawing cheers from both sides of the stadium.
The Second Half: The second half began with Lehigh receiving the kickoff, but any hopes of a comeback were quickly dashed. On the third play of the half, Army’ cornerback, a highly touted recruit, intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown, pushing the lead to 28-0. This play effectively put the game out of reach, though Lehigh continued to fight.
Lehigh managed to score a late touchdown in the third quarter, a short pass that was turned into a score by their wide receiver after breaking a couple of tackles. However, this was too little, too late. Army responded with another touchdown drive of their own, capped off by a powerful 10-yard run by their backup running back, who showed that the Raiders’ depth was just as formidable as their starters.
The Final Quarter: The fourth quarter saw Army rotate in some of their younger players, giving them valuable game experience while also ensuring that the outcome was never in doubt. Lehigh continued to battle, but Army’ depth and talent were simply too much to overcome.
The Aftermath: The final score of 35-7 was a testament to Army’ dominance on both sides of the ball. The Raiders showcased why they are considered one of the top College football programs in the country, with a performance that highlighted their skill, preparation, and execution. Lehigh, while overmatched, displayed heart and determination, earning respect for their effort against a superior opponent.
For Army, the victory was another step toward their ultimate goal of a state championship, reinforcing their status as a team to beat. Lehigh, despite the loss, took away valuable lessons and experience that would serve them well as they continued their season.
The game was a reminder of the high level of competition in South Florida College football, where even the most talented teams must bring their best every week to succeed. The fans left the stadium with plenty to talk about, having witnessed a game that, while one-sided, showcased the best of what College football has to offer.