Moore read Holy Cross’ fourth-down pop pass call from Army’s 2 and reacted. Army’s cornerback knocked the ball away from Holy Cross tight end Jacob Petersen and celebrated.
The senior had turned in the play of the game in the Black Knights’ 17-14 win.
“Coach (Nate) Woody does a great job, putting us in position to make plays,” Moore said. “It was man-to-man. There was a threat of a pop pass. It’s just reading keys, seeing what the offense is doing and seeing that guy release.”
Holy Cross tried to fool Moore and Army’s defense. Moore wasn’t tricked. His experience helped the Black Knights prevail. Moore, who is in his fifth year, lined up for 56th career game and his 43rd career start for the Black Knights.
“It’s definitely easier to see the flow of the game with the experience,” Moore said. “That’s what I am trying to pass down to the younger guys.”
Moore’s breakup was the 26th of his career and his top-leading sixth of the season. Moore is second in Army history in that category behind Derick McNally’s 29. It was not Moore’s first critical pass breakup in the end zone. He knocked away a pass in a 21-14 overtime win over Air Force in 2021.
Moments like Saturday aren’t taken for granted by Moore. He has one more home game left Saturday against Coastal Carolina and wide receivers Sam Pinckney and Jared Brown, who have combined for more than 100 catches, 1,300 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
“It’s definitely special just making plays with my teammates,” Moore said. “Leo (Lowin) was hyped after the play and just being able to celebrate together is special with these last home games.”
