Sunday, October 20, 2024
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.
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| 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.
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| Dashaun Peele |
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.
Saturday, September 21, 2024
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.
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| Blake Horvath |
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.”
Saturday, September 07, 2024
Navy Improves to 2-0 with Win Over Temple
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.
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
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.
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.
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