Mid-Atlantic Sports: 2024

Saturday, September 07, 2024

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.

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.

“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.