In a stunning victory, the Navy football team emerged triumphant in the annual battle for the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, claiming a decisive 31-13 win over archrivals Army. The unranked Midshipmen showcased their dominance by toppling the No. 22 Black Knights, marking their first victory over Army in three seasons.
Quarterback Blake Horvath delivered a stellar performance, amassing 107 passing yards and two touchdowns, along with an impressive 204 rushing yards and two additional touchdowns on the ground. The Midshipmen’s defense proved equally formidable, forcing three crucial interceptions and limiting Army to just six points in the second half.
Navy wasted no time asserting their authority in the game, scoring a touchdown on their opening drive and extending their lead to 14-0 following a key interception by cornerback Dashaun Peele. Horvath’s precision pass to Brandon Chatman further solidified Navy’s early advantage.
Army fought back with a touchdown before halftime, closing the gap to 14-7, but Navy continued to build on their lead as the game progressed. Horvath and running back Eli Heindenreich combined for a spectacular 52-yard touchdown, showcasing their offensive prowess.
A daring fake punt play later in the game saw Navy execute a successful pass to the 285-pound nose tackle Landon Robinson, setting up another touchdown and further cementing their lead at 28-13. The Midshipmen’s defense continued to shine, securing multiple interceptions to stifle Army’s offensive efforts.
Ultimately, Navy’s strategic gameplay and stellar defensive performance proved too much for Army to overcome, as the Midshipmen sealed their victory with a third interception in the fourth quarter. Despite facing a formidable rushing team in Army, Navy effectively contained their opponent’s ground game, allowing only 113 rushing yards and 178 total yards.
Looking ahead, Navy is set to clash with Oklahoma in the upcoming Armed Forces Bowl, while Army will face Louisiana Tech in the Independence Bowl following Marshall’s withdrawal from the game due to player shortages. As the dust settles on this intense gridiron showdown, Navy emerges as the well-deserved victors, poised for further success in the postseason.
