By Garin Turner
In a game that lived up to the rivalry, Navy stayed perfect with a 34-31 win over Air Force in the first leg of the Commander-in-Chief Trophy series on Saturday. The Midshipmen improve to 5-0 on the year, while the Falcons fall to 1-4.
How It Happened
Air Force opened the scoring in the first quarter when quarterback Liam Szarka broke free for a 7-yard touchdown run, giving the Falcons a 7-3 edge. Navy turned the ball over on its next drive, but Air Force missed a chance to capitalize with a failed field goal attempt.
The Midshipmen seized momentum in the second quarter. Quarterback Blake Horvath connected with Eli Heidenreich twice — first on a 19-yard strike, then later on an explosive 80-yard score. Those big plays helped Navy take a 17-10 lead into halftime.
Both teams traded touchdowns in the third quarter. Szarka’s 1-yard keeper tied the game at 17, but Navy responded with a 97-yard march capped by a 59-yard touchdown run from Horvath to regain the lead.
The fourth quarter delivered fireworks. Szarka tied the game again at 24 with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Bruin Fleischmann. Horvath and Heidenreich weren’t done, hooking up once more on a 60-yard strike for a 31-24 Navy advantage. Air Force answered quickly when Szarka hit Jonah Dawson for a 53-yard touchdown to even the score at 31.
Navy delivered the final blow with a go-ahead field goal on the following possession. Air Force’s last chance ended in a costly fumble, sealing the win for the Midshipmen.
Team Leaders
Navy
- Passing: Blake Horvath – 20/26, 339 yards, 3 TDs
- Rushing: Blake Horvath – 17 carries, 130 yards, 1 TD
- Receiving: Eli Heidenreich – 8 catches, 243 yards, 3 TDs
Air Force
- Passing: Liam Szarka – 11/19, 212 yards, 2 TDs
- Rushing: Liam Szarka – 25 carries, 152 yards, 2 TDs
- Receiving: Bruin Fleischmann – 6 catches, 166 yards, 1 TD
What’s Next
Navy will look to stay unbeaten when it faces Temple on October 11. Air Force will try to regroup on the same night against UNLV.
