Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Malcolm Perry Interviewed on Dan Patrick Show

Malcolm Perry was interviewed on the Dan Patrick Show on Deceimber 16.  During the interview Perry discussed Navy's big win against Army, his first game at Navy, and his thoughts on the NFL.

You can see a video of the interview below.


Saturday, December 14, 2019

Navy 31, Army 7 - Final

Fourth Quarter

Navy ran out the clock and earned a 31-7 win to end Army’s three-game winning streak and to bring home the Commander-in-Chief’s trophy.

Army threw an INT on their third play of their next drive.  Tyler Pistorio picked off the pass from Kelvin Hopkins.

Navy scored again following the Army fumbled.  Malcolm Perry stole the show with a 15-yard TD run giving Perry 304 rushing yards on the day and a new single game rushing record in the Army-Navy game.  The Mids have a 31-7 lead with 1:42 remaining.  Navy’s scoring drive was 6-47-3:17.

Army was able to move the ball on their ensuing drive, but fumbled the ball on their own 47.  J’arius Warren recovered for the Mids with 4:59 left in the game.

Navy was unable to move the ball and punted on a three-and-out.  Army takes over at their own 22.

Army finally was able to move the ball on their next drive.  The carried the ball for 22 yards and completed a pass for 8.  However, when facing a 4th-and-3 on the Navy 38, Jackson Springer from Navy tackled Sandon McCoy for a one yard loss turning the ball back over to the Midshipmen.

Navy’s drive started on their own 40 yard line.  Perry and Carothers were once again the only offensive players other than center Ford Higgins who touched the ball on the drive.  Perry carried the ball for 39 yards and Carothers for 3.  Bijan Nichols capped off the drive with a 37-yard field goal giving Navy a 24-7 lead with 12:48 left in the game.  The Navy scoring drive was 9-40-3:15.

Third Quarter

The sputtering Army offense suffered another three-and-out losing 6 yards on the drive.

Perry, Carothers, and the offensive line drove down the field again for Navy.  Perry carried three times for 25 yards.  Carothers added 20 yards on four carries including a 5-yard run for a Navy touchdown.  The Mids lead Army, 21-7 with 4:53 remaining the third quarter.  The Navy scoring drive was 7-45-3:53.

The Black Knights’ ensuing drive struggled from the beginning.  Army had two penalties on the drive that put them well behind the chains.  A sack on Christian Anderson put Army in 4th-and-23 situation forcing a punt back to Navy.

Navy took the opening kickoff of the second half. The Mids drove down the field on the shoulders of Perry and Carothers.  Perry carried for 43 yards on two carries and Carothers gained 13 yards on four carries. The Mids faced a 4th-and-4 on the Army 12 when Bijan Nichols’ field goal attempt was blocked by Elijah Riley and Army takes over on their own 20.

Second Quarter

The Mids out together a 12-play, 91-yard scoring drive that left just 6 seconds on the clock in the first half.  Malcolm Perry and Jamale Carothers were the workhorses on the drive, each carrying the ball 5 times.  Carothers gained 18 yards and Perry ran for 69.  The drive was capped off by a trick play on the one yard line.  Perry pitched the ball to Chance Warren on a reverse.  Warren then completed a one yard TD pass to Carothers to put Navy up 14-7 with 0:06 left in the half. The half ended on the Navy kickoff.

Army’s offense was stumped with a 3-and-out and punted the ball back to the Mids with 4:42 remaining in the half.

Navy was unable to sustain a drive either as Army’s defense held the Mids to just 19 yards on 6 plays.  The Midshipmen punted the ball away on a 4th-and-1 on their own 22.

Army was able to rush for only 17 yards on their next drive.  The Mids forced Army to punt facing a 4th-and-three on their own 42.

Navy countered Army’s scoring drive with a 4-play drive of their own.  The Midshipmen drive didn’t take the time that Army’s did.  The Mids scored on a 55-yard run by Malcolm Perry.  The Navy scoring drive was 4-75-1:53.  Navy ties the game, 7-7 with 13:34 remaining in the second quarter

First Quarter

The Black Knights took over on their own 22 yard line following Navy’s punt.  Army executed a perfect 18 play, 78 yard drive to take the early lead.  Army passed the ball just one time on the drive, a 10-yard pass from Junior QB, Christian Anderson to Cam Harrison. Anderson carried the ball 9 times on the drive for 48 yards including a 5-yard TD run.  Army leads Navy, 7-0 with 0:17 remaining in the first quarter.  The Army scoring drive was 18-78-10:41.

The Midshipmen started their first drive of the game on their own 32.  Three consecutive runs gained nine yards and the Mids punted the ball back to Army with a 3-and-out of their own.

Army started their opening drive at their own 24.  The Navy defense was solid and forced a 3-and-out.

Navy won the coin toss and elected to defer to the second half.

Sunday, December 01, 2019

PIAA State Football Championships

The PIAA football championships will take place December 5-7, 2019 at Hersheypark Stadium in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

A - December 5 - 1:00 PM
Bishop Guilfoyle (6-1) vs. Farrell (10-1)

Farrell 10-7, OT

AA - December 6 - 1:00 PM
Southern Columbia (4-1) vs. Avonworth (7-1)

Southern Columbia 76-7

AAA - December 7 - 1:00 PM
Wyoming Area (2-1) vs. Central Valley (7-1)

Wyoming Area 21-14

AAAA - December 5 - 7:00 PM
Dallas (2-1) vs. Thomas Jefferson (7-1)

Thomas Jefferson 46-7

AAAAA - December 6 - 7:00 PM
Cheltanham (1-1) vs. Archbishop Wood (12-1)

Archbishop Wood 19-15

AAAAAA - December 7 - 7:00 PM
Central Dauphin (3-1) vs. St. Joseph's Prep (12-1)

St. Joseph's Prep 35-13

Friday, November 29, 2019

PIAA Football Playoff Semi-Finals

PIAA football playoff schedule for November 29 and 30


CLASS 6A
Friday
Downingtown West (13-1) vs. Central Dauphin (11-2) at Coatesville, 7 p.m.
Saturday
Central Catholic (12-1) vs. St. Joseph’s (10-2) at Altoona’s Mansion Park Stadium, 1 p.m.

CLASS 5A
Gateway (12-2) vs. Archbishop Wood (9-3) at Altoona’s Mansion Park Stadium, 1 p.m
Cocalico (11-2) vs. Cheltenham (13-1) at Hersheypark Stadium, 6 p.m.

CLASS 4A
Thomas Jefferson (14-0) vs. Lampeter-Strasburg (11-3) at Hollidaysburg, 1 p.m.
Jersey Shore (11-3) vs. Dallas (14-0) at Danville, 6 p.m.

CLASS 3A
Central Valley (12-1) vs. Bald Eagle Area (11-3) at Moon, 7 p.m.
Wyoming Area (12-1) vs. Tamaqua (12-2) at Wyoming Valley West, 7 p.m.

CLASS 2A
Wilmington (12-0) vs. Avonworth (14-0) at Slippery Rock High School, 6 p.m.
Southern Columbia (14-0) vs. Richland (13-0) at Selinsgrove, 7 p.m.

CLASS 1A
Clairton (11-2) vs. Farrell (12-2) at North Allegheny, 7 p.m.
Bishop Guilfoyle (11-2) vs. Lackawanna Trail (10-3) at Danville, 1 p.m.


Saturday, November 23, 2019

Navy 35, SMU 28 - Final

Postgame 



Fourth Quarter

Navy decided to keep the ball in the hands of Malcolm Perry.  The Mids faced a 4th-and-2 on the Navy 31 yard line and SMU had an offside penalty called sealing the win for Navy.  After the play, an SMU coach got an unsportsmanlike penalty moving the ball into SMU territory.  Navy took a knee two times and picked up the win, 35-28.

SMU drove the ball the length of the field but couldn’t put points on the board.  Buechele completed 3 passes on the drive for 32 yards.  Proche caught 2 passes and Sanders caught the other.  Jones carried the ball 5 times for 16 yards.  SMU faced a 4th-and-4 on the Navy 12 and threw and incomplete pass turning the ball over to Navy.

Navy’s drive started with an incomplete pass and a carry for no gain.  On third and 10, Malcolm Perry sprinted 70 yards for a Navy score.  The Mids lead 35-28 with 6:11 left in the game.  Navy’s scoring drive was 3-70-0:50.

SMU could not get a first down on their drive and punted the ball back to Navy.  There is 7:01 left in the game.

Navy recovered the SMU onside kick attempt. Malcolm Perry had a big 9 yard carry to the SMU 40. An 8 yard pass to Warren gave Navy a first down at the 30.  Navy was unable to get another first down and turned the ball over on downs at the SMU 29. There is 8:28 remaining in the game with the score tied at 28. 

SMU started their drive on their own 15 after returning the kickoff from the end zone.  Jones carried three consecutive times for 12 yards.  Buechele then connected with Rashee Rice for 61 yards and a TD to tie the game at 28-28 with 12:14 left in the game.  SMU’s scoring drive was 6-85-2:05.

Third Quarter

On Navy’s next drive, Perry hit Mitchell for a 15 yard completion to the Navy 46.  On the next play, Nelson Smith barreled up the middle for 15 yards to the SMU 46.  Makekau then carried for 9 yards and Perry dropped back to pass but ran for 17 yards to the SMU 13.  The third quarter ended with navy trailing, 21-20.  Perry completed a 13 yard TD pass to Mitchell, his first career TD.  The Mids converted a 2 point conversion with a pass from Perry to Williams.  The Mids lead SMU, 28-21 with 14:19 left in the game.  The Navy scoring drive was 10-76-3:48.

Navy forced another three-and-out on the SMU offense.

Navy opened their drive with a 20 yard pass to Ryan Mitchell to the Navy 40.  Three of the next four plays were 10 yard carries or more.  Makekau had a 10 yard carry and Perry had carries of 12 and 24.  Navy had a 1st-and-10 on the SMU 12 but had to settle for a 24 yard field goal by Bijan Nichols.  Navy cut SMU’s lead to 21-20 with 4:04 left in the third quarter.  The Navy scoring drive was 9-73-4:22.  It was announced the Maloy and Cooper would not return due to injuries.

SMU’s Tyler Page returned Navy’s kickoff to the Navy 37 yard line.  Three incomplete passes forced SMU to punt the ball back to the Mids.

Navy received the opening kickoff o the second half.  The Mids drove down the field systematically putting 7 on the board following a 13 play drive.  Perry completed two passes on the drive, an 8 yarder to Cooper and a 33 yard strike to Williams.  Perry also carried the ball seven times including the one yard TD carry that pulled Navy to within 4 of SMU.  SMU leads Navy 21-17 with 8:58 left in the third quarter..  Navy’s scoring drive was 13-75-6:02.

Second Quarter

Navy handed the ball off to Carothers who ran for 4 yards and the half ended with Navy trailing SMU, 21-10.

SMU moved the ball into Navy territory with some short passes, but the Mustangs were forced to punt the ball back to Navy with less than 10 seconds remaining in the half.

Navy’s ensuing drive was inconsistent.  Makekau had a 13 yard carry to the Navy 38.  On the next play, Perry connected with Cooper for 23 yards to the SMU 39.  Navy attempted a 4th-and-9 conversion on the SMU 38 and couldn’t convert giving the ball back to SMU.

SMU didn’t waste any time getting back on the scoreboard.  On first down from the Navy 42, Buechele connected with Rashee Rice for 33 yards to the Navy 9.  On the next play, Jones ran 9 yards to the end zone giving SMU a 21-10 lead with 4:01 left in the second quarter.  SMU’s scoring drive was 2-42-0:22.

Navy was forced to punt on a three-and-out that included two sacks of Malcolm Perry.

SMU started the drive at their own 25 yard line. Buechele completed a 30-yard pass to .to Kyle Gransen to the Navy 41.  Following a holding call on SMU, Buechele completed a 14 yard pass to Proche to the Navy 37.  On a 4th-and-3 play, Navy was called for pass interference at the Navy 30.  On another 4th down attempt, SMU’s Xavier Jones carried the ball 11 yards to the Navy 11.  Two plays later, Buechele connected an with Proche for an 8-yard scoring pass.  Robledo converted the PAT and SMU has a 14-10 lead.  SMU’s scoring drive was 12-75-5:22.

First Quarter

Navy was charged with a personal foul on the kickoff and now start their drive on their own 13 yard line.  Tazh Maloy opened the drive with a 9 yard carry to the 22.  Facing a 4th-and-1 on their own 22, Navy converted with a one yard carry by Perry.  SMU challenged the spot and the spot was confirmed.  On the next play, Perry completed a 32 yard pass to Makekau to the SMU 45.  The first quarter ended with the score tied, 7-7.  Offensive coordinator Ivin Jasper kept the ball on the ground in the hands of Perry and Carothers.  The Mids faced another 4th down and planned to go for it until a false start was called forcing a 4th-and-8 at the SMU 24.  Instead, Nichols avenged his miss in the first quarter by converting a 41 yard FG with 11:44 remaining in the second quarter. Navy leads SMU 10-7.  The Navy scoring drive was 11-63-5:37.

SMU’s CJ Sanders took Navy’s kickoff and returned it 100 yards for a TD.  Kevin Robledo converted the PAT and the score is now tied, 7-7.

Navy takes over on their own 35 as today’s attendance was announced - 33,732.  Three consecutive runs to start the drive was capped off by a 21 yard run by CJ Williams to the SMU 35.  A 9-yard carry by Keoni-Kordell Makekau moved the ball to the Mustang 26.  Three plays later and Chance Warren took a reverse pitch 22 yards for the TD.  Nichols converted the PAT and Navy’s scoring drive was 8-65-3:28.  Navy leads SMU 7-0.

The Navy defense forced a SMU three-and-out and the Mustangs punted to the Navy 35.

The Mids took over on their own 25 yard line following the SMU turnover.  Navy threw the ball on their third play from scrimmage and Malcolm Perry completed a 10 yard pass to Mychal Cooper for a Navy first down.  On their first fourth down attempt of the game, Navy faced a 4th-and-1 from their own 49.  Perry made a pitch on the left side to Jamale Carothers who sprinted 22 yards to the SMU 29 yard line.  Navy called their second timeout of the half following the Carothers run.  The Mids attempted a 41 yard field goal and freshman kicker Bijan Nichols missed wide right.

SMU started their drive on their own 25.  A 33 yard pass from Shane Buechele to Tyler Page to the Navy 30 yard line. On the next play Xavier Jones carried the ball 3 yards before fumbling the ball.  Mike Flowers forced the fumble that was recovered by Jackson Pittman. 

SMU has won the toss and elected to receive.

Pregame notes - 

Players to Watch

Navy

QB Malcolm Perry - 182 carries, 1159 yards, 16 TDs - 32 completions, 758 yards, 5 TDs
FB Nelson Smith - 105 carries, 520 yards, 7 TDs
WR Mychal Cooper - 12 receptions, 314 yards, 2 TDs

LB Diego Fagot - 69 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF
DB Kevin Brennan - 53 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT
LB Jacob Springer - 51 tackles, 12 TFL, 7 sacks, 3 FF

SMU

QB Shane Buechele - 249 completions, 3195 yards, 28 TDs
RB Xavier Jones - 196 carries, 1089 yards - 18 TDs
WR James Proche - 88 receptions, 1008 yards, 12 TDs
WR Reggie Roberson, Jr. - 43 receptions, 803 yards, 6 TDs

LB Richard McBryde - 72 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 1 FR, 1 FF
LB Patrick Nelson - 61 tackles, 12 TFL, 9.5 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FR, 1 FF
DE Deontae Scott - 29 tackles, 14 TFL, 8 sacks, 2 FF

Navy (7-2, 5-1 AAC) hosts SMU (9-1, 5-1 AAC) in Senior Day at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium this afternoon at 3:30.  Both teams are still battling for a chance to play in the AAC Championship game scheduled for December 7.

Thirty-two seniors will play their last game in Annapolis this afternoon.  The seniors and their families will be recognized during pregame following the National Anthem and the flyover.

Friday, November 22, 2019

Navy Hosts SMU on Senior Day

Navy (7-2, 5-1 AAC) plays host to #21 SMU (9-1, 5-1 AAC) on Saturday afternoon at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The game will be a battle of two AAC West foes that are battling for a shot at the AAC championship game.  Both teams have one loss in the conference at the hands of Memphis.  If the winner of today’s game wins out and Memphis loses one of their final two games, today’s winner would represent the West Division in the AAC championship.


The game will be the final home game for 32 Navy seniors, including captains Paul Carothers, Nizaire Cromartie, Ford Higgins, and Malcolm Perry.  The Mids are have won their last 16 Senior Day contests with the last loss in 2002 against Connecticut.

The Mustangs are led by QB Shane Buechele, a transfer from Texas.  Buechele has thrown for 3,207 yards and 28 touchdowns.  The SMU passing offense is seventh in the nation with 328.1 yards per game.  Buechele has two talented targets in James Proche and Reggie Roberson Jr.  Proche has 88 receptions and 12 touchdowns.  Roberson has 43 catches and six touchdowns.

SMU is also capable of moving the ball on the ground.  Xavier Jones has rushed for 1,068 yards and 18 touchdowns.  Navy defensive coordinator, Brian Newberry will have a challenge in slowing down the SMU offense.  The Midshipmen defense is led by linebacker, Diego Fagot.  Fagot has 69 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and interception and a forced fumble.

Navy will counter SMU with the best rushing attack in the country.  The Mids average 349.3 yards per game.  The Mids passing offense is ranked #128, however they boast the most passing yards per attempt nationally with 23.51.

Malcolm Perry
Senior quarterback Malcolm Perry is the player to watch for Navy.  Perry leads the Navy rushing attack with 1,159 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns.  Perry is complemented in the rushing game with fullbacks Nelson Smith and Jamale Carothers.  When Perry does go to the air, his main receiver is Mychal Cooper who has 12 receptions and two touchdowns.  CJ Williams also has two touchdown receptions on the year.

The Midshipmen travel to Houston next week and will face Army on December 14.  The AAC championship game is scheduled for December 7.










Saturday, October 19, 2019

Navy 35, USF 3 - Final



Navy Defeats ACC Rival USF, Moves to 5-1





Post game



Fourth Quarter

USF had the ball for two plays before the clock hit 0:00.  The Mids picked up their fifth win of the season with a 35-3 win over USF.

Perry Olson took over the quarterback duties for Navy on their next drive.  The Mids were forced to punt with a three-and-out.  Owen White punted the ball 53 yards to the USF 21.

USF made a change at QB on their next drive.  On the second play of the drive, Kirk Rygol completed a 28 yard pass to Bryce Miller.  Three plays later, Rygol connected with Jacob Mathis for a 24 yard completion to the Navy 20.  The USF offense sputtered at this point.  The Bulls had a 1st-and-goal on the Navy 7, but ended up attempting a 33 yard field goal on the Navy 16.  The attempt hit the upright and went wide left and Navy gets the ball back.

The Navy offense got back on track following the USF short possession.  The Mids ran the ball 10 times and drove the ball 80 yards to increase their lead to 35-3.  Tazh Maloy found the end zone on a 26 yard carry down the USF sideline.

The Navy defense came up big again on the next USF possession.  The Mids forced another three-and-out forcing the Bulls to punt the ball away.

The Mids carried the ball 8 times on their drive.  CJ Williams had one carry for 6 yards and Nelson Smith had three carries for 22 yards.  The man of the hour once again was Malcolm Perry.  Perry called his own number four times carrying for 43 yards including a 21 yard TD run.  The Mids lead USF, 28-3 with 13:03 remaining in the game.  The Navy scoring drive was 8-76-3:26.

Third Quarter

USF had a confusing drive.  On their first seven plays they gained 40 yards and moved into Navy territory.  Kelly Joiner started the drive with an 11 yard run.  Three plays later, McCloud hit Mitch Wilcox for another 11 yard gain.  Three plays later, Trevon Sands picked up 10 yards on the ground.  The next two plays the Navy defense had consecutive sacks for a loss of 14 yards.  Joiner carried the ball again for 11 yards, but USF was forced to punt facing a 4th-and-13 on the USF 49.

The Navy defense bailed out the offense and the Mids take over on their own 27 yard line.  The offense was unable to move the ball and the Bulls forced a 3-and-out.  Navy punted the ball away and USF gets the ball at their own 12 following a holding penalty on the play.

USF took over at their own 39.  The Bulls ran three times with a big 25 yard carry coming from Cronkrite to the Navy 32.  USF then went to the air and completed just one of four passes for 5 yards.  The big play was a 4th-and-5 on the Navy 27.  The Bulls decided against a FG attempt and the pass fell incomplete turning the ball over on downs.

Navy gets the ball first in the second half.  The Mids started at their own 25 yard line.  The Midshipmen carried the ball 8 times for 36 yards.  Tazh Maloy had a 12 yard carry and Malcolm Perry had a 10 yard run.  With a 1st-and-10 at the USF 39, Perry fumbled the ball and USF recovered.

Second Quarter

Navy took a knee and first half ended with Navy leading USF, 21-3.

The Bulls drove the ball looking to score quickly before halftime.  McCloud rushed for 15 yards and completed a 4-yard pass to Cronkrite.  With the ball at the Navy 48, McCloud’s pass was intercepted by Navy’s Chelen Garnes ending the USF scoring threat.

On the fourth play of Navy’s drive, Malcolm Perry was picked off again by USF.  Nick Roberts intercepted the errant pass at the USF 33 yard line.

USF started the drive on the Navy 21.  The Bulls were only able to move the ball to the Navy 16.  Spencer Shrader connected on a 33-yard FG making the score Navy 21, USF 3.  The USF scoring drive was 4-5-2:03.

Navy ran the ball two times for 11 yards to start the drive.  On the next play, Malcolm Perry was intercepted by KJ Sails.  A penalty on the Bulls nullified the pick six and USF is in scoring position.

On an important drive for USF to get back in the game, USF started at their own 19 yard line.  The Bulls used the running game heavily on their drive.  They ran the ball 5 times for 33 yards.  The big play was a 20 yard scramble from Jordan McCloud to the Navy 43.  The Bulls could get to closer and punted the ball to the Navy 9.

Navy has great field position to begin the next drive.  After a passing attempt on the first play of the drive that fell incomplete with a wide open Ryan Mitchell, the Mids carried the ball 7 consecutive times.  The 7 runs gained 36 yards to the USF 23 yard line.  On the next play, Perry pitched the ball to CJ Williams who then threw the ball to a wide open OJ Davis who scored is first career TD on the 23 yard completion.  Navy leads USF 21-0 with 10:03 remaining in the first half.  The Navy scoring drive was 9-59-3:53.

The Navy kickoff goes out of bounds and USF began their drive on their own 35.  The Bulls could not get a first down and the Mids forced another 3-and-out.  Winn returned the punt 17 yards to the Navy 41.

Navy began the second quarter 3rd-and-1 on their own 42.  On the first play of the quarter, Carothers broke through USF defense for a 58 yard TD run.  Navy leads USF, 14-0 with 14:50 remaining in the first half.  Navy’s scoring drive was 3-67-1:01.  The Mids have 164 yards rushing in the game already.

First Quarter

Navy started at their own 33 after a 12 yard return by Garrett Winn. Jamale Carothers carried the ball twice for nine yards before the quarter ended with Navy leading, 7-0.

USF began the drive on their own 18 yard line.  A 9-yard pass from McCloud to Randall St. Felix was the big play of the drive.  The Bulls were able to get a first down with a one yard carry, but the Navy defense held USF and forced a punt.

The Mids started deep in their own territory at the 9 yard line.  Navy ran the ball seven straight times before Offensive Coordinator Ivin Jasper called a pass play with the ball at the Navy 33.  Malcolm Perry could not find an open receiver and scrambled for 67 yards for a Navy TD.  The carry put Perry over 3000 career rushing yards, one of only four players at Navy to reach this milestone.  Navy leads USF, 7-0.  The scoring drive was 8-91-3:51.

South Florida ran 7 plays on their drive but could only manage 29 yards.  The drive stalled at the USF 44 and the Bulls punted to the Navy 9.  Jordan Cronkrite and Trevon Sands had runs of 10 and 9 yards respectively gaining most of the yards on the drive.

Navy struggled to get any offense moving and gained just six yards on their opening drive.  The Midshipmen are forced to punt and Owen White (43 yards) pins the Bulls deep in their own territory at the USF 15.

USF will start on their own 25 yard line.  After a 5 yard carry on the first play from scrimmage, the Navy defense forces a three-and-out and the Mids will get the ball on their own 36.

Navy won the toss and deferred to the second half.  USF will get the ball first in today’s game.

Navy Hosts ACC Rival USF

Navy hosts ACC rivals USF this afternoon at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.  This will be just the third meeting between these two teams.  Each team has a win against the other with the home teams winning each time.

Navy enters today’s game with a 4-1 record (2-1, AAC) and USF is currently 3-3 (1-1, AAC).

The Midshipmen are led by senior captain, Malcolm Perry.  Perry leads the team in rushing with 604 yards and 12 TDs.  He also has 489 yards through the air with 3 TDs.  His leading receivers are Mychal Cooper who has 7 catches and 146 yards and CJ Williams who has 5 grabs for 171 yards and 2 TDs.  The defense is led by Florida sophomore, Diego Fagot who has 32 tackles.

USF quarterback, Jordan McCloud has completed 49 passes for 624 yards and 8 TDs.  McCloud also has 4 rushing scores.  Jordan Cronkrite is the Bulls leading rusher with 383 yards and 2 TDs.  John Ford and Mitch Wilcox lead the USF receiving corps 13 and 12 receptions respectively.  Linebacker Patrick Macon  leads the Bulls defense with 42 tackles and 2 sacks.

The traditional flyby this afternoon features four F/A-18E Super Hornets and a parachute jumper from team Fasttrax will also jump into the stadium during pregame.

The Mids will be wearing the same all blue uniforms that were worn when the defeated Air Force on October 15.

Senior center and team captain, Ford Higgins is on the cover of today’s game day program.


Saturday, October 05, 2019

Navy 34, Air Force 25 - Final

Fourth Quarter

The Air Force drive started at their own 27.  DJ Hammond threw three incomplete passes and Navy called a timeout with one second remaining in the game.  On the next play, Air Force fumbled and the ball was recovered by Navy’s Tony Brown who returned the ball 8 yards for the TD as the Midshipmen rushed the field.  The Mids win the first leg for the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, 34-25.

Navy’s drive started at their own 25 yard line.  Chance Warren is in the game for an injured Malcolm Perry.  Warren completed am 18 yard pass to Tazh Maloy to the Navy 43.  Perry re-entered the game and completed a 32 yard pass to CJ Williams to the Air Fore 35.  Navy faced a 4th-and-1 on the Air Force 15.  Following the TO, Perry converted the first down with a one yard carry to the AF 14.  On the next play, Perry made a great run for 11 yards and took a vicious hit as he tried to dive into the end zone.  On the next play, Perry scored from three yards out giving Navy the lead, 28-25 with 22 seconds remaining in the game.  Navy’s scoring drive was 11-75-2:53.

Air Force took over at their own 28 yard line.  Stevenson completed a 41 yard pass to Waters to the Navy 6 yard line.  After three consecutive runs, Taven Birdow punched it in from one yard out.  Air Force takes their first lead of the game, 25-21 with 3:15 left in the game.

The Navy offense could not move the ball and were forced to punt on a 3-and-out series.

DJ Hammond completed a 10 yard pass to Kad Waguespack and a 9 yard pass to Geraud Sanders, moving the ball to the Navy 16.  Later in the drive, Hammond called his own number and scored on a one yard TD run.  The Air Force score cut the Navy lead to 21-19 with 7:38 remaining in the game.  The Falcon scoring drive was 8-37-3:48.

Navy started on their own 19 yard line.  After gaining one first down, Nelson Smith fumbled and Air Force recovered at the Navy 37.

Air Force QB Hammond completed a 29 yard pass play to Remsberg down to the Navy 47. A Navy personal foul call moved the ball to the Navy 30 yard line.  Hammond completed another pass, this time a 19 yarder to Ben Waters to the Navy 9 yard line.  The Navy defense once again forced an Air Force FG attempt.  Koehnke made the 26 yard attempt making the score, Navy 21, Air Force 12.  The Air Force scoring drive was 8-68-3:16.

Third Quarter

On Navy’s second play, fullback Nelson Smith ran up the middle for 37 yards to the Air Force 29.  Three consecutive short runs force a field goal attempt by Nichols who couldn’t connect on a 41 yard attempt giving the Falcons the ball back at their own 24.

Air Force was called for an offensive pass interference penalty on the first play of the drive moving the ball back to their own 13 yard line.  On the next play, Hammonds completed a 47 yard pass to Kadin Remsberg to the Navy 40.  The Navy defense stiffened and force a turnover on downs to the get the ball back on their own 33.

The Mids take over with great field position at the AF 44.  Malcolm Perry carries the ball two times down to the Falcon 28 yard line.  On a third-and two from the AF 20, Perry breaks free and finds the end zone.  Nichols converts the PAT and Navy leads Air Force, 21-9.  Navy’s scoring drive was 5-44-2:17.

The Navy defense matches the effort of AF and force a three-and-out of their own.

Chance Warren took the AF kickoff to the Navy 40 yard line where the Mids will start their opening drive of the half.  The Falcons force a three-and-out and the Midshipmen punt the ball back to AF.

Air Force got the opening kickoff of the second half and start at their own 30 yard line.  On the second play of the half, DJ Hammond breaks free for a 42 yard carry to the Navy 25.  On a 3rd down and 9 on the Navy 24, Hammond was sacked by Paul Carothers forcing a 4th and 16.  Jake Koehnke connected on a 49 yard field goal.  The Falcons cut into Navy’s lead, 14-9.  The Air Force scoring drive was 6-39-2:26.

Second Quarter

Air Force took a knee and the half ended with the score, Navy 14, Air Force 6.

Navy returned the AF kickoff to the Navy 33.  Navy gained 8 yards on the drive and punted the ball back to AF with 36 seconds remaining.  Owen White punted the ball 54 yards to the AF 10 yard line.

Air Force started at their own 25 after Navy’s kickoff went into the end zone.  Hammond completed a 13 yard pass to Sanders to move the ball to the AF 37.  Hammond then carried the ball for 17 yards to the Navy 46.  Hammond converted a 4th down attempt later in the drive moving the ball to the Navy 34.  Hammond called his own number again, this time rushing for 12 yards to the Navy 22.  The drive stalled and Jake Koehnke kicked his second FG of the game, this time from 40 yards out.  Air Force cuts into Navy’s lead.  The Mids still lead, 14-6 with 2:17 remaining in the first half.

Malcolm Perry hit CJ Williams for a 23 yard pass to the Air Force 43. Chance Warren carried the ball for Navy on an end around for 9 yards to the AF 33.  Then Perry hit Cooper again, this time for 28 yards to the AF 3.  The catch was Cooper’s third of the game for 90 yards.  On the next play, Nelson Smith ran for his second TD of the game.  Nichols converted the PAT.  Navy leads Air Force, 14-3 with 7:39 left in the first half.  Navy’s scoring drive was 8-66-3:52.

Air Force started their next drive on their won 25 yard line.  The Falcons were unable to get a first down and punted the ball to Navy.  Navy called a fair catch at their own 34 yard line.  An Air Force player ran into Navy’s Garrett Winn after the catch, but no flag was thrown.

Today’s attendance is 37,957, the fourth largest crowd in Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

On Navy’s first play of the 2nd quarter, Malcolm Perry completed a 38-yard pass to Mychal Cooper to the Air Force 25.  On the next play, Perry found Cooper again, this time for 24 yards to the Air Force 1 yard line.  Two plays later, Nelson Smith scored on a 1-yard TD run.  Bijan Nichols converted the PAT and Navy has a 7-3 lead with 13:24 remaining in the second quarter.  Navy’s scoring drive was 5-64-1:44.

First Quarter

Navy ran one plays and the quarter ended with Air Force leading 3-0 on a sloppy first quarter.

Air Force was able to gain just 3 yards on their drive and punted back to Navy.  Navy muffed the punt but were able to recover at their own 37.

The Mids started the drive on their own 28.  The offense could not get a first down and Navy punted from their own 34.  Air Force gets the ball back at heir own 22 following a 44 yard punt.

On Air Force’s third play of the drive, Kadin Remsberg fumbled and it was recovered by Navy’s Jackson Pittman who returned the ball the Navy 33.  After the play was reviewed, it was determined that Pittman then fumbled and Air Force recovered on the Navy 33. Jake Koehnke kicked a 42 yard field goal to give Air Force the early lead, 3-0.  The Falcon scoring drive was 4-8-2:14.

Malcolm Perry carried the ball for 11 yards on Navy’s first play of the drive.  On the second play, Perry fumbled the snap and Mosese Fifita recovered a the Navy 29.  Turnovers have ended the last two drives in the game.

Air Force was able to move the ball through the air on their first drive.  DJ Hammond completed passes to Geraud Sanders and Kade Waguespack for 22 and 25 yards respectively to the Navy 28.  Facing a 3rd down play, Hammond was picked off by Evan Fochtman at the Navy 15.  The INT was Fochtman’s first career interception.  The Mids take over at their own 19.

On Navy’s opening drive, the Midshipmen started at their own 25 yard line.  On a 3rd-and-10 from their own 25, Malcolm Perry scrambled for 13 yards to give the Mids a first down at the 38 yard line. On the ensuing play, Navy was called for a chop block and moved the ball back to the 23.  Navy was forced to punt and Owen White booted a tight spiral to the Air Force 23.

Air Force won the coin toss and deferred to the second half.  Navy will get the ball first.

Navy and Air Force Meet in Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy Battle

Navy hosts the Air Force Academy this afternoon at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in the first leg of the battle for the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy. Both teams come in to the contest with one loss.  Navy lost last week at Memphis, 35-23 and Air Force’s lone loss was on the road at Boise State, 30-19.

Today’s game will be a battle on the ground.  Navy and Air Force boast the top two rushing offenses. The Mids are first, rushing for 344.7 yards per game.  The Falcons are right behind them averaging 332.8 yards per game.  This will be a game where mistakes could be the deciding factor in the game.  With two dominant rushing attacks, the number of possessions that each offense will have will be minimal. Navy is averaging 37:38 time of possession and Air Force is averaging 33:31.

The two teams have two of the least effective passing offenses based on yardage.  However, when they do pass they are efficient.  Aif Force is averaging 20.95 yards per completion and Navy is averaging 18.8 yards per completion, good for second and third in the NCAA respectively.

Navy is led by dynamic quarterback, Malcolm Perry.  Perry leads the Midshipmen in rushing with 275 yards and 7 TDs.  He also has 336 passing yards with 3 touchdown passes.  CJ Williams has three receptions for 117 yards and 2 TDs.

The Air Force running game is handled by Kadin Remsberg and Taven Birdown.  Remserg has 342 yards on 58 carries and 3 TDs.  He is complimented by Birdown who has 338 yards and 2 scores on 64 carries. Quarterback, DJ Hammond has completed 18 passes for 369 yards and 4 TD passes.  His top target has been Gerald Sanders.  Sanders has 13 receptions for 291 yards and 3 scores.

Navy and Air Force have each won the last game that they hosted and this year’s game will be the first step in taking the CIC Trophy from Army who won the award last year with wins over both Navy and Air Force.  Today’s kickoff is scheduled for 3:33 on CBS Sports Network.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Navy 42, East Carolina 10 - Final

Fourth Quarter

On ECU’s next drive, the Navy defense forced and recovered a fumble and the Navy offense took a knee to end the game.  Navy won their second game of the year, 42-10 over ECU.

After the Navy defense forced its first turnover of the game, the Navy offense was only able to gain 16 yards before Owen White was forced to punt for the third time in the game.  On the drive, an ECU defender was carted off the field with an apparent neck or back injury. No further details were provided.

Following the Navy fumbled punt return, ECU had little success moving the ball.  On a third down on the ECU 40, Navy’s Kevin Brennan picked off a Holton Ahler pass giving the ball back to the Mids.

Two carries for no yards and an incomplete pass force another three and out for ECU.  On their punt, the ball touched a Navy player and ECU recovered on their own 42 yard line.

The Navy offense has not been as effective since Malcolm Perry and a few other starters have left the game.  Perry Olsen carried three times on the drive for 23 yards.  Navy punted for just the second time in the game and ECU starts deep in their own territory.

ECU was able to drive down the short field and score their first TD of the game on a a 2-yard carry by Holton Ahlers.  Ahlers used his arm on the drive passing for 40 yards and also getting a pass interference call in the end zone that put the ball at the 2 yard line.  Navy now leads ECU, 42-10 with 12:30 left in the game.  East Carolina’s scoring drive was 8-50-2:46.

Third Quarter

Malcolm Perry gets the rest of the day off and Perry Olsen will take over the QB role for Navy.  Perry finished the day responsible for six touchdowns in the game.  This is the most since Keenan Reynolds was responsible for 7 in 2014.  A fleet of new players made plays on Navy’s drive.  Olson had 5 carries on the drive and completed one pass.  The Mids were unable to convert a fourth down and ECU takes over at midfield.

The Navy defense is relentless and forces another three-and-out for ECU.

Malcolm Perry connected with CJ Williams for an 80-yard touchdown pass on their first play following the ECU punt.  Navy leads ECU, 42-3 with 6:34 left in the third quarter.  The 80 yard pass was the longest for Navy since November 20, 2010 when Ricky Dobbs completed an 80 yarder to Greg Jones.  The Navy scoring drive was 1-80-0:12.

Navy’s defense forced another three-and-out with ECU.  The Pirates’ defense is going to start wearing down quickly without more sustained offensive drives for East Carolina.

Navy received the ball first to start the second half.  The drive was quintessential Navy football.  The Mids carried the ball 13 times and completed one pass.  Malcolm Perry led the way with 8 carries followed by Nelson Smith with three.  Perry also completed a pass to Keoni Makekau for 27 yards.  They also converted two fourth downs on the drive, giving them four in the game.  Perry scored the rushing touchdown from the one yard line which happened to be their second fourth down conversion of the drive.  The Mids lead ECU, 35-3 with 7:53 left in the  third quarter.  The Navy scoring drive was 14-75-7:07.  Perry now has 156 rushing yards and 4 rushing TDs in the game.

Halftime

Statistical leaders in the first half -

Navy

Rushing
Malcolm Perry 16-128 3 TDs

Passing
Malcolm Perry 3-5-41 1 TD

Receiving
CJ Williams 2-37 1 TD

Tackles
Elan Nash 5 tackles, 1 TFL

ECU

Rushing
Holton Ahlers 7-32

Passing
Holton Ahlers 7-14-93

Receiving
Tyler Snead 3-54

Tackles
Davo Robinson 7 tackles

Second Quarter

The half ended with ECU in possession of the ball on their own 29 yard line.  Navy leads this AAC matchup, 28-3.

Navy was unable to move the ball after Perry’s 14 yard carry on the first play of the drive.  Perry was sacked on the next play and Navy couldn’t get another first down.  The Mids punt the ball to eh ECU 13 yard line where the Pirates take over with 1:22 left in the half.

ECU punted for the fourth time following a three-and-out forced by the Navy defense.  Navy will take over at their own 27 with 4:05 left in the half.

It appeared that the Mids were held without points for the first time in the game.  Navy, however, had other ideas and converted a 4th-and-4 on the ECU 47 yard line.  The Mids called a time out and gave the ball to Nelson Smith who carried for 9 yards.  ECU was called for a personal foul and the penalty added 15 yards to the run to the ECU 23 yard line.  Mychal Cooper carried the ball 11 yards, Nelson Smith added 6 yards and Perry scored his third TD of the game from 6 yards out.  Navy leads ECU 28-3 with 5:25 left in the half.  Navy’s scoring drive was 8-72-3:44.  Perry has 119 yards on 13 carries in the game and 44 yards passing and one TD through the air.

ECU was finally able to put points on the board.  Bolton Ahlers point the team on his shoulders on their fourth drive.  He carried the ball twice and completed 4 passes for 63 yards to the Navy 7 yard line.  The big play was a 41 yard completion to Tyler Snead.  On what appeared to be a touchdown run by Demetrius Mauney, the Pirates were flagged with a 5-yard penalty.  They were forced to attempt a field goal.  Jake Verity connected on a 23-yarder to cut Navy’s lead to 21-3 with 9:09 left in the first half.  The East Carolina scoring drive was 11-69-4:29.

The Midshipmen started their next drive from their own 15 yard line with a pass from Perry.  The pass was just over the outstretched hands of CJ Williams.  Perry made up for the errant pass on the next play with a 14-yard run to the Navy 29.  Perry converted a 3rd-and-4 with a 6-yard carry and a little help with his teammates to move the pile forward.  A personal foul that ripped the helmet off Perry’s head moved the ball to the ECU 29.  On the next play, Perry connected with CJ Williams for a 29-yard TD pass.  Navy leads visiting ECU, 21-0 with 13:38 left in the second quarter.  Navy’s scoring drive was 10-85-5:08.  Malcolm Perry has 10 carries for 97 yards and 2 touchdowns.  He also has 2 completions for 36 yards and a TD.

First Quarter

East Carolina had much more success moving the ball on their next drive.  The Pirates started the drive on their own 11.  They moved the ball to the Navy 39 before being forced to punt the ball away for the third consecutive drive.  Ahlers started the drive with a 24-yard scramble to the 35.  A completed pass on the next play with a Navy personal foul moved the ball into Navy territory for the first time in the game.  The Pirates completed a pass to convert a fourth and 3, but their was a holding penalty called on the play forcing ECU to punt the ball back to Navy.

Navy was just as successful on their second drive as they were on their first.  Nelson Smith had the first two carries of the drive for 7 yards.  Malcolm Perry then busted a 30 yard run to the ECU 28.  Three plays later, Tazh Maloy carried for 11 yards to the Pirates 15 yard line.  Two plays later, Perry found the end zone again, this time from 11 yards to give Navy a 14-0 lead with 5:46 left in the first quarter.  Navy’s scoring drive was 8-65-3:54.

ECU was unable to sustain much of a drive on their second possession.  Bolton Ahlers completed 2 passes for 23 yards.  The drive stalled at the ECU 38 and John Young punted the ball to the Navy 35.

Navy moved quickly down the field on their opening drive.  CJ Williams carried the ball 10 yards to the ECU 28.  Malcolm Perry completed a 7 yard pass to Myles Fells to the 19 yard line.  After a 1 yard run by Nelson Wilson, Perry called his own number and scampered 18 yards for a Navy touchdown.  The Mids lead ECU 7-0 with 11:26 remaining in the first quarter.  Navy’s scoring drive was 6 plays, 38 yards, and last 2:08.

East Carolina was unable to move the ball on their first drive.  The Navy defense forced a three and out with ECU gaining -7 yards on the drive.  The punt went 22 yards and Navy starts with great field position.

Navy Hosts East Carolina in AAC Opener

Navy Hosts East Carolina in AAC Opener

Navy hosts visiting East Carolina in the American Athletic Conference opener for both teams.  Navy comes in to today’s game with a 1-0 record.  The Mids knocked off Holy Cross, 45-7 in the season opener.  Navy was led by fullback Nelson Smith who rushed for 96 yards and three touchdowns.  CJ Williams added 91 yards and a TD.  Team Captain, Malcolm Perry completed six passes for 103 yards to help balance Navy’s run-oriented offense.  The Mids had a bye week last week.

East Carolina enters the game with a 1-1 record.  The Pirates are led by first year head coach, Mike Houston.  ECU dropped their season opener with a 34-6 loss at the hands of NC State.  They rebounded last week with a 48-9 win over Gardner-Webb. The Pirates’ ground game was key to getting the win in their home opener.  Both Darius Pinnix and Demetrius Mauney gained over 100 yards on the ground with Pinnix finding the end zone two times.  ECU has also passed for over 200 yards in each of their first two games.

You can follow the game live here on Mid-Atlantic Sports.

Saturday, August 31, 2019

Navy 45, Holy Cross 7 - Final

Fourth Quarter

The announced attendance for today’s game was 28,531. The attendance was much lower when Navy’s drive started.  Junior Garret Winn carried the ball on the first play for 24 yards to midfield.  Fullback James Harris II got several carries on the drive keeping the interior of the Holy Cross defense honest. The Navy drive ends on the Holy Cross 9 yard line as time expired.  Navy starts the season 1-0 and goes to 11-1 on home openers under Ken Niumatalolo’s leadership.

The Crusaders began their next drive on their own 8 yard line with 9:05 left in the game.  The Mids defense did not let up and forced a 3 and out.  Navy has the ball 1st and 10 on their own 26.

Navy ran three QBs in to the game on their next drive.  Tyger Goslin, Perry Olsen, and Dalen Morris all got time under center for the Mids.  The carousel of quarterbacks didn’t have much success and the Mids punted from their own 46 yard line.

The Holy Cross offense couldn’t find much success against the stifling Navy defense.  Degenhardt completed one pass for 18-yards on the drive and then through three incomplete passes forcing a Holy Cross punt

Navy starts the fourth quarter facing a 3rd and 2 on the Holy Cross 49 yard line.  Nelson Smith converted that third down with a 49-yard TD run.  The 49-yard run was Smith’s career long and his three TDs are also a career high.  Nichols converted the PAT to give Navy a 45-7 lead.  Navy’s scoring drive was 7-80-2:12.

Third Quarter

Navy’s starting quarterback, Malcolm Perry got banged up on an incomplete pass.  Sophomore Tyger Goslin came in as his replacement.

Holy Cross was able to drive into Navy territory once again, but was forced to punt facing a 4th and 1 on the Navy 43.  Degenhardt was 2-3 passing on the drive for 24 yards.  The Holy Cross punt traveled into the end zone giving the Mids the ball on their own 20.

The Crusader defense was unable to slow down the Navy offense on their next drive.  The Mids ground game is hitting on all cylinders.  CJ Williams has 91 yards on 10 carries in the game.  Keoni Makekau had a 6-yard carry and a 29-yard reception on the drive.  Sophomore Isaac Ruoss got his first career carry and TD on the same play, a 2-yard scoring run that gave Navy a 38-7 lead with 4:27 left in the third quarter.

Holy Cross was able to move the ball on their next position.  Degenhardt was 3-3 early in the drive moving the ball into Navy territory.  The Navy defense stiffened forcing two incomplete passes and giving up just one are on the ground.  On a 4th-15, Degenhardt rushed for 10 yards, but Navy took over on downs at their own 20 yard line with 7:52 left in the third quarter.

Navy took advantage of great field position and capped off a 5-play, 20 yard drive with a 1-yard TD run by Nelson Smith.  Four different players touched the ball on the drive.  Navy leads Holy Cross 31-7 with 10:56 remaining in the 3rd quarter.

Holy Cross struggled on their opening drive of the second half.  Connor Degenhardt was sacked for the second consecutive play and fumbled and Navy’s Nizaire Cromartie recovered at the Crusader’s 25 yard line.

Second Quarter

Holy Cross took a knee and the half ended with the score, Navy 24, Holy Cross 7.

Navy answered Holy Cross’s scoring drive with one of their own.  Big plays led to a one yard scoring run by Malcolm Perry.  CJ Williams started off the drive with a 16-yard carry.  Later in the drive Perry completed a 44-yard pass to Michael Cooper to the Holy Cross one yard line.  Two plays later Perry found the end zone.  Navy’s scoring drive was 7-75-1:38.  Navy leads Holy Cross 24-7 with 10 seconds remaining in the half.

Holy Cross started their next drive on their own 25 yard line following a fair catch on the kickoff.  QB Connor Degenhardt began to get in a rhythm during the drive and Miles Alexander found success on the ground.  Alexander capped off the 12-play, 75-yard drive with a 16-yard TD run.  Holy Cross’s scoring drive was 12-75-5:41.  Navy leads the Crusaders, 17-7 with 1:48 remaining in the half.

The Navy triple option was clicking following the missed Holy Cross field goal.  The Mids carried the ball 7 times for 80 yards capped off by a 16-yard TD run by CJ Williams.  Four different players carried the ball on the drive.  Nichols hit the PAT and Navy leads Holy Cross, 17-0 with 7:29 remaining in the half.  Navy is outrushing Holy Cross 183-3 so far in the contest.

Holy Cross took advantage of the Navy turnover driving the ball to the Navy 6.  On a 4th-and-3, Derek Ng hit the right upright on a 23-yard FG attempt.  Navy dodged a bullet and took over at the 20 yard line.

Navy’s drive continues with the ball spotted at their own 43. On the first play of the second quarter, Perry was sacked and fumbled the ball and Holy Cross recovered at the Navy 33.

First Quarter

Navy began at their own 18 following the Holy Cross punt.  Tazh Maloy carried the ball 14 yards on his first carry of the game.  Perry followed with a 9 yard carry on a pass play that had no one open down field.

Holy Cross began moving the ball in their second drive, but Navy still forced another punt.  On the punt there was confusion with the Navy return team and they appeared to fumble the ball deep in their own territory.  However, there was an inadvertent whistle on the play along with a Navy personal foul.  Instead of having the ball on the Navy 28 yard line, the ball was placed at the Navy 48.  Holy Cross was unable to move the ball from there and were forced to punt again.

Navy had great field position to start their second drive.  A 30-yard Holy Cross punt gave the Mids the ball at their own 48 yard line. Navy drove to the Crusaders 27 yard line but was forced to attempt a field goal.  Bijan Nichols split the uprights on a 44-yard FG attempt giving the Midshipmen a 10-0 lead with 5:56 remaining in the first quarter.

The Midshipmen forced a three-and-out on Holy Cross’s first drive holding the Crusaders to negative three yards on the drive.

Navy drove 75 yards for a TD on their first possession of the game.  QB Malcolm Perry led the Midshipmen on a 9-play driver capped off by a four yard TD run by Nelson Smith.  Perry had a 12 yard carry on the drive and a 12-yard completion to Chance Warren, his first career reception.  Myles Fells had the play of the drive with a 51-yard run to the Holy Cross four yard line.  The Mids lead 7-0 early in the first quarter.

Holy Cross won the coin toss and deferred to the second half.




Pre-game

It’s going to be a warm afternoon for the home opener between Holy Cross and Navy.  The projected temperature at kickoff is to be 85 degrees with a real feel of 90.  The Mids open the 2019 season with four team captains - Nizaire Cromartie, Paul Carothers, Ford Higgins and Malcolm Perry.  This is the first time in 139 seasons of Navy football that the team will have four captains.

You will notice, if you watch the game, that the 27 yard line is marked in memory of Navy’s first Heisman Trophy winner, Joe Bellino who passed away in March.  Navy will also wear a helmet sticker in Bellino’s honor.

Joe Bellino Heisman sticker

The Brigade of Midshipmen

Navy Hosts Holy Cross in Season Opener


Navy hosts Holy Cross from the Patriot League this afternoon at 3:30 in the season opener for both teams.  The Midshipmen are coming off a disappointing 3-10 season, the worst since Ken Niumatalolo became head coach in 2008.  The Crusaders finished the 2018 season with a 5-6 record with four consecutive wins to end the season.

A home game at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium is different than any other. You must arrive early to experience all the unique activities and traditions that make a Navy football game special.  The team arrives about two and a half hours before kickoff.  The team buses stop at the Blue Angel and the players and coaches walk down the sidewalk into the stadium.  The March-On by the Brigade of Midshipmen is a must see.  This takes place about 20 minutes before kickoff.

Normally around the time the Navy team takes the field, the traditional fly-by takes place.  Today, two F/A-18 Hornets will provide the excitement.  Ten minutes before kickoff, the National Anthem is performed and feels a little bit more special at the Naval Academy.  This afternoon, a parachute jumper will carry an American flag onto the field just before kickoff.

After the game, both teams will gather on the field in front of the Brigade to sing the academy’s alma mater, Navy Blue & Gold.

Today’s game will be televised by CBS Sports Network.  You can also get updates throughout the afternoon here on Mid-Atlantic Sports.

Friday, August 02, 2019

The Navy Midshipmen open the 2019 campaign with a home game at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium against Holy Cross on August 31.  The Mids look to improve on last season's disappointing 3-10 record, Ken Niumatalolo's worst season since becoming the head coach in 2008.  You can follow the Mishipmen all season long here at Mid-Atlantic Sports and
ESPN 1380 WCBG.