Navy Dominates Army in 125th Rivalry Game, 31-13

Landover, MD — In a historic 125th meeting between the Navy Midshipmen and Army Black Knights, Navy claimed a decisive 31-13 victory at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. Behind a record-tying performance from quarterback Blake Horvath and a stout defensive effort anchored by nose guard Landon Robinson, the Midshipmen controlled the game from start to finish, sending their seniors out with a win and claiming bragging rights for the next year.

Brian Newberry

“Just couldn’t be more proud and happy for our players and our seniors,” said Navy head coach Brian Newberry. “They talked about leaving a legacy this year, and they’ve certainly done that. We talked about playing fast and free and without fear of failure, and I thought we did that in a convincing way over a really good football team.”

Navy opened the game with an early statement, driving 65 yards over 12 plays to take an early 7-0 lead. Quarterback Blake Horvath capped the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run on a QB sneak. Horvath accounted for 22 rushing yards on the drive, while Alex Tecza added key gains to keep the chains moving.

After forcing Army into a quick three-and-out, Navy’s defense continued to take control, with dominating performances from Colin Ramos and Landon Robinson limiting Army’s run game to just 17 yards in the first quarter. Navy’s defense swarmed Army quarterback Bryson Daly, who struggled to find openings against Navy’s front seven.

The second quarter saw Navy capitalize on a crucial turnover. With Army driving near midfield, defensive back Dashaun Peele intercepted Daly’s pass, setting the Midshipmen up at the Army 44-yard line. On the ensuing possession, Horvath wasted no time, connecting with Brandon Chatman on an 18-yard touchdown pass that extended Navy’s lead to 14-0.

Army responded with its best drive of the first half, marching 65 yards on eight plays. Daly connected with Hayden Reed on a 23-yard touchdown pass to cut the lead to 14-7. Navy’s defense held firm for the remainder of the quarter, highlighted by a critical stop from Robinson and Justin Reed on a third-and-short run to force a punt late in the half.

Army opened the second half with momentum, driving deep into Navy territory before settling for a 39-yard field goal by Trey Gronotte to make the score 14-10. The Black Knights seemed poised to challenge Navy’s lead, but the Midshipmen had other plans.

Eli Heidenreich

On just the third play of Navy’s next drive, Horvath delivered a perfectly thrown 52-yard bomb to Eli Heidenreich, who outran the defense for a touchdown. The score not only put Navy up 21-10 but also tied Heidenreich for Navy’s single-season record for touchdown receptions (6). 

Navy’s defense continued to impose its will, forcing a turnover on downs on Army’s next possession. Ramos and Kyle Jacob delivered crucial tackles to stop Army’s runners short of the sticks.

The fourth quarter began with another Gronotte field goal for Army, narrowing the score to 21-13. But Navy responded with a clock-chewing 75-yard drive, highlighted by a pivotal fake punt called by Landon Robinson. Facing fourth-and-five from their own 47-yard line, Robinson took the snap and rumbled 29 yards to the Army 24, energizing the Navy sideline.

“I just called it on the field, and here we are,” Robinson said. “It was something we worked on all season, and they gave us the right look.”

Landon Robinson

“Landon Robinson is one of the most trustworthy guys on the football team.  He called it (the fake punt) and we ran it. It's the second time he's done it this year," shared Newberry. "Man, it's good seeing that big boy, 280 pounds, run fast as he does, and getting it done. That probably sealed the game for us.”

Horvath capitalized on the momentum, breaking free on a 19-yard run and eventually plunging into the end zone from 1 yard out for his second rushing touchdown of the day. The score extended Navy’s lead to 28-13 with just under nine minutes remaining.

Navy added a 27-yard field goal by Nathan Kirkwood late in the game, following an interception by linebacker Luke Pirris, who read Daly’s pass perfectly to secure Navy’s third pick of the day.

Horvath was unstoppable throughout the game, rushing for 204 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries

Blake Horvath

while completing 4 of 9 passes for 107 yards and two scores. His 13th passing touchdown of the season tied a Navy single-season record.

Navy’s defense held Army to just 178 total yards, including a mere 113 on the ground. The Black Knights averaged only 2.9 yards per carry against a swarming Navy front led by Robinson, Justin Reed, and Ramos. Navy forced three interceptions and held Army to 5 of 14 on third-down conversions.

Colin Ramous

“I know everybody’s talking about the offense, but I thought defensively we played lights out today,” Newberry said. “That’s a really good football team from one of the best O-lines in the country, and Bryson Daly is an outstanding football player. I thought we controlled the game on defense.”

For Navy’s seniors, this victory in one of college football’s greatest rivalries. As Horvath said after the game, “I think it was February 27 when we walked into our winter workouts, and the CIC trophy is literally plastered on every locker, every wall, everywhere, around the room and it’s been since February that we’ve put this game in our head.”

With the victory, Navy improved to 9-3 and now turns its attention to the Armed Forces Bowl, where they’ll face Oklahoma on December 27. Army (11-2), will look to regroup for their Independence Bowl matchup against Louisiana Tech on December 28.

Navy Outlasts East Carolina in Resilient 34-20 Win

Greenville, NC — In front of a raucous crowd at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Navy's freshman quarterback Braxton Woodson stepped into the spotlight and delivered a composed performance, leading the Midshipmen to a 34-20 victory over East Carolina. Woodson accounted for three touchdowns—two on the ground and one through the air—as Navy (8-3, 6-2 AAC) bounced back after a sluggish first half.

"First half didn't go great," said Navy head coach Brian Newberry. "We played lights out on defense, but we struggled a little bit to get anything going offensively. Couldn't be more proud of the way our guys rallied around our young quarterback, and couldn't be more proud of the way he played today. That was critical for him."

The first half was a defensive slugfest, with neither team able to find the end zone. Navy’s defense was relentless, stifling East Carolina’s rushing attack and keeping quarterback Katin Houser under constant pressure. Defensive lineman Landon Robinson notched a sack early in the first quarter, setting the tone for a Navy defense that would record four tackles for loss on the day.

East Carolina managed the only points of the half with a 35-yard field goal by Andrew Conrad midway through the second quarter. Navy’s offense, meanwhile, struggled to move the ball effectively, managing just 88 total yards and missing a 21-yard field goal attempt just before halftime.

"We knew coming in that stopping the run would be key," Newberry said. "Outside of the first two drives, we did a really good job of stopping the runner. We feel like if we could do that, keep things in front of us, then we'd have success on defense today."

The Midshipmen came out of the locker room with renewed energy. On their opening drive of the second half, Navy marched 76 yards on 14 plays, capped by a 16-yard touchdown run from Brandon Chatman. The nearly eight-minute drive showcased Navy's trademark efficiency and physicality.

After forcing a punt, Navy struck again late in the third quarter. Running back Eli Heidenreich broke free for a 36-yard touchdown run, extending Navy's lead to 14-3 heading into the final period.

East Carolina cut the deficit to 14-6 early in the fourth quarter with a 48-yard field goal, but Woodson and the Navy offense responded immediately. On the ensuing drive, Woodson connected with Nathan Kent on a 61-yard touchdown pass.

East Carolina’s offense came alive briefly, with Houser finding Winston Wright Jr. for a 9-yard touchdown to pull within 21-13. But Woodson silenced the home crowd with an electrifying 38-yard touchdown run on Navy's next possession, pushing the lead to 27-13. A late interception by linebacker Kyle Jacob set up Woodson's second rushing touchdown, a 10-yard score that sealed the victory.

East Carolina added a late 52-yard touchdown pass from Houser to Yannick Smith, but it was too little, too late.

Navy’s defense was exceptional on third downs, holding East Carolina to just 4 of 15 conversions. The Midshipmen also forced a turnover on downs at their own 3-yard line in the first quarter, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Rayuan Lane led the team with nine tackles, while MarcAnthony Parker added a sack.

The win showcased Navy’s motivation and their ability to rally behind Woodson. As Newberry summed up, "Super proud of the way Braxton played and composed himself, and the way our guys rallied around him."

With the win, Navy improves to 8-3 overall and 6-2 in the American Athletic Conference, keeping their hopes alive for a strong bowl game invitation. They’ll look to carry this momentum into their regular-season finale against Army on December 14.

For East Carolina (7-5, 5-3 AAC), the loss ends their regular season on a sour note, but they remain bowl-eligible and will await their postseason fate.

Tulane Dominates Navy on Senior Day, 35-0

Annapolis, MD — In front of 38,914 fans at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Tulane spoiled Senior Day and the 300th Navy football game played at the historic venue, delivering a dominant 35-0 shutout victory. The Green Wave (9-2, 7-0 AAC) overwhelmed the Midshipmen (7-3, 5-2 AAC) with a balanced offensive attack and a smothering defense that kept Navy out of the end zone for the entire game.

“Well, we got our butts kicked,” said Navy head coach Brian Newberry. “Hats off to Tulane. I knew that was a really good football team coming into this game, and they were every bit of that today. Thought they had a really good plan on both sides of the football. They outplayed us, they out physicaled us, things we knew we had to do we didn't get done. Really, really disappointed.”

After a quiet opening series from both teams, Tulane broke through late in the first quarter. Quarterback Darian Mensah capped a five-play, 63-yard drive with a 14-yard rushing touchdown, putting the Green Wave up 7-0 with 1:07 left in the first quarter. Navy’s offense struggled to find rhythm early, managing just 61 total yards in the opening quarter.

Tulane’s physicality continued to wear down Navy’s defense in the second quarter. Midway through the period, running back Makhi Hughes powered into the end zone from 14 yards out, finishing an 11-play, 65-yard drive that extended Tulane’s lead to 14-0. Meanwhile, Navy’s offense remained stagnant, hindered by penalties and an inability to sustain drives. By halftime, the Midshipmen had managed just 29 yards of total offense.

The Green Wave asserted their dominance in the third quarter, controlling the ball for over 12 minutes. Mensah’s efficiency and Hughes’ bruising runs kept the chains moving, culminating in a 1-yard touchdown run by Hughes that capped a methodical 13-play, 65-yard drive. The score pushed Tulane’s lead to 21-0 and left Navy searching for answers on both sides of the ball.

Tulane continued to pour it on in the final quarter. Mensah connected with tight end Alex Bauman on a 1-yard touchdown pass early in the quarter, and later found Arnold Barnes III for another short touchdown following a Navy fumble deep in their own territory. The Green Wave’s defense preserved the shutout, holding Navy to just 113 yards of total offense and forcing a key turnover in the fourth quarter.

Darian Mensah was a dual-threat for Tulane, passing for 138 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 57 yards and another score. Makhi Hughes led all rushers with 82 yards on 22 carries, including two touchdowns. Tulane’s Defense stifled Navy all day, allowing just 100 rushing yards and holding the Midshipmen to 1-of-11 on third down. Kyle Jacob led the Midshipmen’s defense with 10 tackles, while Colin Ramos recorded the team’s only sack of the day.

Navy’s triple-option attack, typically efficient that controlled the time of possession, was completely neutralized by Tulane’s disciplined front seven. The Midshipmen averaged just 2.9 yards per carry and failed to complete a pass longer than five yards.

On defense, Navy couldn’t slow Tulane’s balanced offense, surrendering 358 total yards while allowing the Green Wave to convert 6-of-13 third downs and both of their fourth-down attempts.

The game marked the 300th Navy football game played at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. However, Tulane’s dominant performance dampened the celebratory atmosphere on what was also Senior Day for Navy’s graduating players.

Navy vs. Tulane AAC Battle

The Navy Midshipmen (7-2, 5-1 AAC) host the No. 25 Tulane Green Wave (8-2, 6-0 AAC) this Saturday at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, in a matchup with conference title implications. Tulane, riding a seven-game win streak, looks to secure its spot in the American Athletic Conference Championship, while Navy, with a Senior Day crowd behind them, aims to keep their championship hopes alive. Kickoff is set for 12:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

This game features two contrasting yet potent offenses and disciplined defenses. Navy, powered by its triple-option attack, averages 259.1 rushing yards per game, ranking fifth nationally. Junior quarterback Blake Horvath has been the key of this success, rushing for 870 yards and 13 touchdowns while also adding 1,154 passing yards and 11 touchdown passes. His dual-threat capabilities make him one of the most dynamic players in the AAC​​.

On the other side, Tulane showcases a balanced offense that ranks in the top 25 nationally in scoring (41.0 points per game) and rushing (227.8 yards per game). Running back Makhi Hughes has been a force on the ground, rushing for 1,209 yards and 13 touchdowns this season. Quarterback Darian Mensah has also been efficient, throwing for 2,142 yards and 16 touchdowns with only four interceptions​.

To counter Tulane’s versatile attack, Navy will rely heavily on its defense, which has excelled in red-zone situations, ranking sixth nationally. Safety Rayuan Lane III, the team’s leader in forced turnovers, and cornerback DaShaun Peele, who has four interceptions this season, will be critical in controlling Mensah’s passing game​​.

Offensively, Navy’s ability to execute big plays could be pivotal. The Midshipmen rank fourth nationally with 16 plays of 40+ yards this season. Horvath’s mobility, paired with contributions from running back Alex Tecza, who has scored 12 touchdowns this year, could create problems for Tulane if the Green Wave’s defense falters​.

The Green Wave’s path to victory lies in their ability to establish the run early and control time of possession. Hughes, who has rushed for over 100 yards in seven games this season, leads an offense that has scored 28 rushing touchdowns, ranking 10th nationally​.

Defensively, Tulane has been opportunistic, leading the nation in non-offensive touchdowns with eight. Defensive Tackle Patrick Jenkins, a disruptive force up front, will be tasked with containing Horvath and Navy’s backfield​​.

The stakes in Saturday's contest could not be higher. A win for Tulane secures their spot in the AAC Championship, while a Navy victory keeps their championship aspirations alive and introduces potential tiebreak scenarios. Navy’s undefeated home record this season and their Senior Day energy will add to the intensity.

With both teams bringing momentum and talent into the contest, fans can expect a hard-fought game with championship implications hanging in the balance.

Navy’s Dominant Ground Game and Opportunistic Defense Propel Mids Past USF, 28-7

Tampa, FL — On a sunny afternoon at Raymond James Stadium, the Navy Midshipmen got back to their winning ways, overcoming two consecutive losses with a solid 28-7 victory over South Florida. Navy’s ground game amassed 321 rushing yards, while the defense forced multiple critical stops, shutting out USF for three quarters and allowing only a late game touchdown.

The Midshipmen scored on four drives and relied on their dominating defense to keep USF's offense from putting points on the board. 

Navy wasted no time in setting the tone. Just minutes into the game, running back Eli Heidenreich broke loose for a 60-yard touchdown run, putting Navy up 7-0. Navy’s defense then capitalized on an interception by Kyle Jacob, giving the Midshipmen excellent field position.

Navy turned the turnover into points with an efficient, 13-play, 79-yard drive capped off by Brandon Chatman’s 20-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 14-0.

The second quarter saw a defensive battle, with Navy forcing multiple punts while controlling the clock. Just before halftime, Navy's sophomore cornerback, Ira Oniha intercepted a Bryce Archie pass and returned the ball 36 yards to the Navy 47 yard line. 

The Navy offense struck quickly with a quick two-play drive, highlighted by a 38-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Blake Horvath to Alex Tecza, sending Navy into the half with a commanding 21-0 lead.

The third quarter was a defensive showcase for Navy. South Florida struggled to find any rhythm, gaining just 14 yards on the ground in the quarter. Navy’s defensive front, led by Landon Robinson and Luke Pirris, shut down the USF offense.

Navy continued to dominate possession in the fourth quarter. Horvath capped an impressive 13-play, 87-yard drive with a 10-yard touchdown run, increasing Navy’s lead to 28-0 and put the game out of reach.

USF managed to avoid the shutout with a late score as Archie connected with Michael Brown-Stephens for a 13-yard touchdown. 

Heidenreich sparked Navy’s offense finishing the day with 84 yards on six carries, averaging an impressive 14 yards per carry and one touchdown.  Horvath completed 6 of 11 passes for 58 yards and a touchdown while adding 56 rushing yards on 19 carries, including his 10-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Landon Robinson and MarcAnthony Parker anchored Navy’s defensive front, combining for three sacks and consistent pressure throughout the game, limiting USF to just 60 rushing yards on 25 attempts.

With the win, Navy improves to 7-2 overall and 5-1 in the American Athletic Conference, maintaining their third-place standing and positioning themselves as contenders for the AAC Championship Game. 

Navy hosts conference rival Tulane, next Saturday and Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium at Noon.

Turnovers Costly as Notre Dame Rolls Past Navy, 51-14

East Rutherford, NJ — At MetLife Stadium on Saturday, the Navy Midshipmen’s hopes for a marquee win were crushed by a series of costly turnovers, as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish capitalized on six Navy miscues en route to a dominant 51-14 victory. Despite Navy’s strong start to the season, their seven fumbles—five of which were lost—and one interception proved too much to overcome against a talented Notre Dame squad that executed on both sides of the ball.

“Obviously, really disappointed with the outcome,” said Navy head coach Brian Newberry. “We were really excited about this one, and our kids believed that we could win. You know, I did too. Having said that, I knew that we were gonna have to play extremely well. We were gonna have to be at our best in all three phases, and we obviously were not today.”

Notre Dame (7-1) wasted no time taking control. On their opening drive, quarterback Riley Leonard engineered a 75-yard march downfield, capped by his own 1-yard rushing touchdown, putting the Irish up 7-0 just four and a half minutes into the game.

Navy’s first offensive possession started with promise but ended in disaster when Alex Tecza lost a fumble at the Navy 35-yard line. Notre Dame quickly capitalized, with Leonard finding wide receiver Kris Mitchell for a 6-yard touchdown pass to make it 14-0 by the end of the first quarter.

Navy finally found some rhythm early in the second quarter. Quarterback Blake Horvath broke free on a 47-yard touchdown run, cutting Notre Dame’s lead to 14-7. But the momentum was short-lived. On the ensuing drive, Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love broke loose for a 64-yard touchdown run, re-establishing a two-score lead at 21-7.

Later in the quarter, Navy’s offensive woes continued. After a promising drive, Nathan Kirkwood missed a 40-yard field goal attempt. Notre Dame took advantage of the miscue, with Love punching in his second touchdown of the game from two yards out. A late field goal from Zac Yoakam extended the Fighting Irish lead to 31-7 at halftime.

The Midshipmen opened the second half with a determined drive. Eli Heidenreich capped a 12-play, 75-yard series with a 1-yard rushing touchdown, trimming Notre Dame’s lead to 31-14. But Navy’s hopes of a comeback faded soon after. Notre Dame responded with another touchdown drive, as Leonard connected with Beaux Collins on a 37-yard touchdown pass, making it 38-14.

The game took a decisive turn on Navy’s next drive when Horvath fumbled at his own goal line, and Notre Dame’s Jaylen Sneed recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown. The score jumped to 44-14, and Notre Dame’s defense seemed unstoppable.

“I think we went five games without turning the football over, and turned it over six times today. It put us in a bad position on defense, quite a bit,” Newberry shared after the game.

With a comfortable lead, Notre Dame controlled the tempo in the final quarter. After Navy’s last turnover—a Luke Hutchison interception—the Irish went on another scoring drive, capped by Kedren Young’s 4-yard rushing touchdown to seal the final score at 51-14.

The Midshipmen’s offensive, which had been effective all season, struggled against Notre Dame’s dominating defense. The Irish held Navy to just 88 passing yards and forced six turnovers. Navy’s costly turnovers repeatedly set up Notre Dame in prime scoring position, which the Irish capitalized on efficiently.

Despite the loss, Coach Newberry remained proud of his team’s season-long effort, though he acknowledged the lessons to be learned from Saturday’s defeat. “Hats off to Notre Dame. It’s a really, really good football team, and they were a better football team today in every way,” Newberry said. “But I love this football team. I love these players. I'm still really proud of them. We talked about it's only a failure if you don't learn from it and grow from it.”

Next week Notre Dame has a bye week while Navy travels to Rice.

Navy vs. Charlotte Highlights

 

Navy Remains Undefeated and Cruises Past Charlotte, 51-17

Annapolis, MD — The Navy Midshipmen remained undefeated with a commanding 51-17 victory over Charlotte on Saturday at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, with the defense leading the way in a game full of big plays. Navy set the tone early, thanks to three first-quarter touchdowns from Alex Tecza and an opportunistic defense that scored twice and set up four other scores.

Brian Newberry

Navy head coach Brian Newberry was proud of his team’s all-around performance, especially the defensive effort: "I was really proud of the way we played on the defense side of football today. We were super opportunistic. Scored twice, and we set up four other scores. The first quarter was really wild."

Navy came out of the gates quickly, capitalizing on both sides of the ball. On Navy’s opening drive, quarterback Blake Horvath found running back Alex Tecza for a 46-yard touchdown pass to put the Midshipmen ahead just two minutes into the game. It was the first of three touchdowns Tecza would score in a dominant first quarter.

After forcing a Charlotte punt, Navy struck again, with Tecza rumbling into the end zone on a 12-yard carry to cap a five-play, 50-yard drive. Minutes later, linebacker Kyle Jacob grabbed his first career interception, setting Navy up deep in Charlotte territory. Tecza capitalized on the turnover with a 2-yard touchdown run, making it 21-0 before the game was barely 10 minutes old.

Jacob wasn’t finished, as he recovered a fumble on Charlotte’s next possession, once again giving Navy prime field position. The Midshipmen added a 22-yard field goal from Nathan Kirkwood to end the quarter with a 24-0 lead.

The Navy field goal was the first time this season that the Midshipmen did not score a touchdown when entering the red zone.  The Mids were 20 for 20 going into the drive.

The second quarter saw more fireworks from Navy’s defense. After Cody Howard’s 11-yard touchdown reception made it 31-0, cornerback Dashaun Peele intercepted Charlotte quarterback Max Brown and returned it 61 yards for a touchdown. Peele’s interception return was the first of two on the day, setting a Navy record for the most interception touchdowns in a single game.

Dashaun Peele

"The first pick that Dashaun had, we were in zero blitz. He had eyes on the quarterback where they should be," Newberry said. "He read the play and jumped the route. And then the second one was a great play and just a fantastic return."

Charlotte finally got on the board with a 39-yard field goal by Stephen Rusnak, followed by a 20-yard touchdown pass from Brown to O'Mega Blake just before halftime, but Navy still held a commanding 38-10 lead at the break.

Charlotte attempted to mount a comeback early in the third quarter, but Navy’s defense held strong. After Horvath connected with Brandon Chatman for a 19-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 44-10, Charlotte responded with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Brown to Duane Thomas Jr., cutting the deficit to 44-17.

Just when Charlotte appeared to gain some momentum, Peele struck again. Late in the third quarter, Peele picked off Brown for the second time, returning the interception 84 yards for a touchdown. It was Peele’s second interception return for a score, setting a Navy single-game record for most pick-sixes.

With the game well in hand, Navy’s defense continued to frustrate Charlotte in the final quarter, holding the 49ers scoreless. Charlotte drove deep into Navy territory late in the game, but the Midshipmen defense held firm, forcing a turnover on downs to end the threat.

For Navy, the win not only secured bowl eligibility but also continued their perfect season. "I’m so proud of these guys," said Newberry. "Hadn't won six games around here since 2019, and that makes us bowl eligible, which is huge. It’s a great reward for our players. And you know, we're not satisfied with that, obviously, but it's good to get to that sixth win, and first time we're 6-0 since 1979."

Navy will host Notre Dame next Saturday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  The kickoff is at Noon and will be televised on ABC. Charlotte travels to Memphis.

Horvath Leads Navy Past Memphis in Offensive Shootout, 56-44

Annapolis, MD — Navy head coach Brian Newberry said it best after the Midshipmen’s exciting 56-44 victory over visiting Memphis on Saturday, “I’m exhausted, physically and emotionally.” In a high-scoring affair at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, quarterback Blake Horvath was unstoppable, accounting for six total touchdowns in a game that saw momentum swing wildly between both teams.

"I couldn’t be more proud of our players," Newberry added. "They deserve a win like this. It’s a monumental win for our program and the things we want to do."

Navy’s offensive firepower proved too much for the Tigers, as Horvath rushed for 211 yards and four touchdowns while throwing for 192 yards and two more scores. Memphis, led by quarterback Seth Henigan, did everything they could to stay in the game, but it was a fourth-quarter interception return for a touchdown by Rayuan Lane that ultimately sealed the victory.

Memphis struck first, marching 65 yards on their opening possession to take a 7-0 lead. Running back Mario Anderson Jr. capped the drive with a 7-yard touchdown run, setting the tone for what would be a back-and-forth battle.

But Navy wasn’t about to be outdone. Horvath quickly responded, leading the Midshipmen down the field on a 77-yard drive that ended with his own 5-yard rushing touchdown, tying the game at 7-7.

Memphis answered immediately with a 57-yard touchdown run from Brandon Thomas, retaking the lead at 14-7 late in the first quarter.

The second quarter belonged to Navy. Just 14 seconds into the quarter, Horvath connected with wide receiver Eli Heidenreich on a 39-yard touchdown pass to tie the game once again at 14-14. After a Memphis three-and-out, the Midshipmen went back to work, this time capping a 52-yard drive with a 12-yard touchdown run from Brandon Chatman to take a 21-14 lead.

Though Memphis managed to add a field goal after a methodical 15-play drive, Navy wasn’t finished. With less than a minute remaining in the half, Horvath led another scoring drive, finishing with a 3-yard touchdown run to give the Midshipmen a 28-17 lead heading into halftime.

“Hats off to Memphis,” said Newberry. “That’s a really good football team. They kept fighting, and I’m glad we don’t have to see Seth Henigan again. He’s a really good player.”

The third quarter kicked off with fireworks as Navy extended their lead. Horvath found Chatman for a 46-yard touchdown pass, increasing the Midshipmen’s lead to 35-17. However, Memphis wasn’t going away quietly. Henigan, who finished with 385 yards passing, fired a 37-yard touchdown strike to Roc Taylor to pull the Tigers within 11 points.

Memphis then capitalized on a Navy punt, putting together a 95-yard drive that ended with Anderson Jr.’s second touchdown of the day. A failed two-point conversion kept Navy in front, 35-30.

Blake Horvath

With the game tightening in the fourth quarter, Horvath stepped up once again. On the first play of the quarter, he capped a 75-yard drive with a 7-yard touchdown run, extending Navy’s lead to 42-30. Then, just minutes later, Horvath electrified the stadium with a 90-yard touchdown run, pushing the score to 49-30 and seemingly putting the game out of reach.

Blake Horvath's 403 total yards offense is the 3rd most in school history.

Memphis was not letting up. Henigan quickly drove the Tigers downfield, finding Marcello Bussey for a 36-yard touchdown. After a successful two-point conversion, Memphis was within 11 points again. The Tigers then made things even more tense, with Anderson Jr. scoring on a 1-yard run, cutting the Navy lead to 49-44 with just over a minute remaining.

With Memphis driving in the final minute, Navy’s defense came up with the play that would seal the victory. Rayuan Lane picked off a Henigan pass and returned it 86 yards for a touchdown, putting the game away at 56-44.

“I’m really proud of Ray,” Newberry said. “He had just missed recovering the onside kick, but then he finds a way to make a play and puts the exclamation point on it.”

Navy Improves to 2-0 with Win Over Temple

ANNAPOLIS – Navy dominated AAC rival, Temple at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial stadium on Saturday in the AAC opener of the season for the Midshipmen.  The Mids were dominant on both sides of the football coming away with a 38-11 victory in front of a crowd of 28,889.

The Navy defense took control of the game early by shutting down Temple’s offense in their first four offensive series.  The Mids forced 3-and-out punts on the first two series and then pressured the Owls into a safety and interception.

 

On a third down and 12 with Temple on their own 7-yard line, Forrest Brock was forced out of the back of the end zone by Justin Reed giving Navy a safety and a 2-0 lead.

 

On Temple’s next drive, Navy Striker Jaxson Campbell picked off a Brock pass ending Temple’s first drive into Navy’s end of the field.

 

The defense’s domination carried over to the Navy offense. 

 

Following the Temple safety, Navy’s offense drove 58 yards and scored on a Blake Horvath two-yard run giving Navy a 9-0 lead.

 

After Campbell’s interception, Horvath broke away for a 62-yard run on Navy’s first play of the drive increasing Navy’s lead to 16-0.  The 62-yard carry was a career long for Horvath.

 

On Navy’s next drive, Alex Tecza ran for 65 yards on the first play on the ensuing drive giving Navy a 23-0 lead with just over eight minutes remaining in the first half. Tecza finished the game with nine carries for 92 yards.

 

Navy head coach Brian Newberry was pleased with the team’s performance.

 

“I’m really proud of our guys and I think we did some really good things today.  Field position was critical, especially in the first half, and we dominated that aspect.  We were much more improved over last week’s performance.”

 

Navy continued their control over the Owls in the second half.  Horvath connected with Eli Heidenreich on a 31-yard touchdown pass.  Horvath scored his third rushing touchdown from 18-yards out late in the third quarter giving the Mids a 38-3 lead.

 

Heidenreich finished the game with 6 receptions for 98 yards.  Heidenreich now has three touchdown receptions this year, just three away from matching the school record.

 

Temple completed a 23-yard touchdown pass from Brock to Dante Wright with 10:00 remaining in the game.  The Owls converted a two-point conversion cutting Navy’s lead to 38-11.

 

Late in the fourth quarter, Navy striker Kenneth McShan picked off a Brock pass and Marcus Bleazard recovered a fumble ending Temple drives.  McShan’s interception was the first of his career.  Bleazard’s fumble recovery was his second in just five games.

 

Senior linebacker and team captain Colin Ramos led the defense with 15 tackles, a tackle for a loss, and a pass breakup.

 

Blake Horvath led the rushing attack with 15 carries for 128-yards and 3 touchdowns.  This was his first career 100-yard rushing game.

 

Horvath was pleased with the offense’s performance to start the season.

 

“Two games, two 400-yard performances.  I think it’s a great job, and it’s more a testament to our offensive line and the playmaking of our skill guys.”

 

Navy improves to 2-0 and is idle next week before hosting Memphis on September 21 at 3:30.

Temple falls to 0-2 and hosts Coastal Carolina next Saturday.

A. J. Nastasi to be Inducted in Bedford County Sports Hall of Fame

On February 7, 1998, Northern Bedford County 3-sport standout A. J. Nastasi hit a 3-pointer with 6:20 remaining in the second quarter breaking the Pennsylvania all-time scoring record of 3,608 held by Mansfield’s Tom McMillen.  McMillen, a future NBA player for the Washington Bullets and US Congressman, had held the record since 1970.  Nastasi finished his high school career with 3,833 points and a state record that has yet to be broken. 

 

Jeff Batzel, the Everett High School basketball coach during Nastasi’s playing days understood the challenges that A. J. created for his opponents.   

“He was the most outstanding pure scorer any of my teams ever had to defend,” remarked Batzel.  “You couldn’t stop him.  Slowing him down was the best you could hope for.” 

During his time at NBC, Nastasi displayed his athleticism in baseball, basketball, and football.  His skill on the basketball court was exceptionally noteworthy.  He averaged an amazing 33.3 points over 115 high school games.  Throughout his career he scored 40 or more points in 28 games and surpassed the 50-point mark in five contests.  His high point was a dominating 59-point performance against Fannett-Metal High School.  A. J.’s high school uniform and sneakers were displayed at the National Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. 

  

In football, playing for his father Joe, Nastasi was equally dominant. Over his four-year high school career, he amassed an impressive 2,429 receiving yards, a testament to his speed, hands, and football IQ.  

  

His athletic accomplishments in high school earned him four-time Bedford County All-Star and four-time regional All-Star honors in both basketball and football. Additionally, he was named to six All-State teams across the two sports, underscoring his versatility and elite performance. In the 1996-97 and 1997-98 seasons, he was named the Pennsylvania Basketball Player of the Year, reflecting his dominance on the court.  His talents were recognized on the national stage as he appeared in Sports Illustrated’s “Faces in the Crowd” celebrating emerging sports talents. 

  

Nastasi showcased his athletic ability in high-profile all-star games, playing in the
Pennsylvania Big 33 All-Star football game and the USA National Basketball Born to Run All-Star Game. These appearances further solidified his reputation as one of the top athletes among his peers. 

Tussey Mountain rival Randy Meck expressed his challenges competing against Nastasi.

“I battled against him beginning in third grade.  His mental toughness set him apart from other opponents and his work ethic allowed him to be successful in anything he wanted to do.  A. J. had great sportsmanship, except for lighting us up on the scoreboard.” 

Nastasi's athletic path continued with a full football scholarship to West Virginia University, where he excelled as a wide receiver. Over his four-year collegiate career, he became a key player for the Mountaineers, earning four letters and making significant contributions to the team's offense. In 2001, Nastasi led West Virginia with 42 receptions, ranking third in the Big East Conference. His performance that year included three touchdowns, placing him ninth in the conference. 

Off the field, Nastasi's dedication to academics was equally commendable. He was named to the Big East Academic All-Star team in 1999, 2000, and 2001, highlighting the balance between academics and athletics. 

 

His legacy continues to motivate young athletes, showing the true nature of excelling both on the field and in the classroom. 

A. J. and his wife Nicole live in West Virginia with their three children.

Nastasi will be inducted into the Bedford County Sports Hall of Fame on June 29 at Everett High School.