By Garin Turner
The Navy Midshipmen remained unbeaten on the season, holding off Rice 21-13 on Saturday in American Athletic Conference play. The victory pushes Navy to 4-0 (3-0 AAC), while the Owls fall to 3-2 (1-1 AAC).
How It Happened
Navy built a 14-0 cushion by halftime behind its punishing ground attack, piling up 213 rushing yards on 31 carries through two quarters.
The Midshipmen opened the scoring on their first possession, with Luke Hutchison punching it in from two yards out. Early in the second quarter, it took just three plays for Navy to double its lead, as quarterback Blake Horvath scrambled in for an 8-yard touchdown.
Rice found momentum in the second half after intercepting Horvath and turning the takeaway into a field goal. But Navy answered, with Horvath capping another drive with a 2-yard touchdown run for a 21-3 lead.
The Owls responded with a touchdown and another field goal to trim the margin, but Navy’s defense held strong in the closing minutes to preserve the win.
Team Leaders
• Passing: Blake Horvath — 8 of 13, 172 yards, 1 INT
• Rushing: Blake Horvath — 21 carries, 110 yards, 2 TDs; Alex Tecza — 11 carries, 104 yards
• Receiving: Alex Tecza — 3 catches, 53 yards
• Defense: MarcAnthony Parker — 13 tackles (2 TFL); Luke Pirris — 5 tackles, 1 sack; Griffen Willis — 5 tackles, 1 sack
What’s Next
The Midshipmen will face one of their toughest challenges of the season when they host service-academy rival Air Force on Oct. 4.
