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.”