11-20-25
A New Reality
After Air Force was stopped on a 4th and goal from the Connecticut 4 yard line last week Quarterback Liam Szarka came off the field holding his right wrist. A quick visit to the medical tent, and then the trainers said we need to get you to the locker room. Szarka walked off the field leaving his 2025 season behind him with a broken bone in his wrist. From unknown to 1st string quarterback in a few short weeks. He not only became a weapon but he was THE weapon for the Air Force offense.
When someone gets hurt there is a phrase in sports, “Next Man Up.” And that next man is Kemper Hodges. He played fullback last year but played quarterback in high school. The Falcons used him in some wildcat formations, and he completed a huge pass on 4th down against Navy. But now, he is no longer a specialist. I thought he played well against the Huskies given the circumstances. He can run the football with his 245 pound frame. And he looks like a pretty good passer. He completed several throws and missed Quin Smith by inches on a deep post in the second half. As a junior these final 2 games will give the Falcons coaching staff a good long look at what he can do under center. Szarka is a sophomore, and the hope is he returns for his junior season. But it’s College football 2025 and in this day and age the inducement is money. Power 4 schools are scanning the country for players who have had good years and may want to play for pay somewhere else. It’s a little more complicated (or simple depending on your point of view) at Air Force. Cadets can leave after their sophomore year without having to pay back their first 2 years of education. The Falcons lost LB David Santiago to Michigan State after last season in the same fashion. It is a concern at the Academy. To be fair, Szarka has earned the right to be in this position after a sensational season. So these last 2 games are important for Hodges, and for Junior Josh Johnson as well, the 3rd string quarterback. Because the Falcons have to be ready if Szarka decides to move on. Nothing replaces game snaps. So while Air Force will not be going to a bowl, Saturday’s game vs New Mexico’s and the Friday matchup at Colorado State are important games with a possible eye on next year. Here’s hoping the last sighting of Liam Szarka is not walking off the field with an injury. If it is, next man up!
Saturday air Force plays its final hoe game vs New Mexico at 5pm on 740 KVOR.
