Blake Horvath Leads Navy to Victory Over Army in a Commanding Performance
Blake Horvath showcased an exceptional performance as the Navy Midshipmen triumphed over the Army Black Knights, securing a decisive 31-13 victory on Saturday in Landover, Maryland. The game, part of the storied Army-Navy rivalry, capped a historic season for both teams, as they entered the clash with a combined 19 wins—a record for the rivalry.
Horvath’s Dominance on the Field
Leading Navy’s offense, Blake Horvath outshone Army’s quarterback Bryson Daily, accumulating an impressive 311 yards and four touchdowns. Horvath’s dual-threat capabilities were on full display, with 107 passing yards and two touchdown passes complemented by 204 rushing yards and two additional scores.
This commanding performance ended Navy’s two-game losing streak against Army and allowed them to claim the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy for the first time since 2019.
A Challenging Game for Daily
Despite being a standout player and finishing sixth in this year’s Heisman Trophy voting, Bryson Daily struggled against Navy’s defense. He managed a single touchdown pass but threw three interceptions, a stark contrast to his season-long consistency, which had included just one interception prior to this game.
Army, which boasted an 11-2 record and had recently claimed its first-ever American Athletic Conference title, fell behind early in the second quarter, trailing 14-0. The team’s inability to recover fully from the deficit marked a disappointing end to what had been a remarkable season.
Navy’s Strategic Edge
Navy (9-3) opened the game strong, driving 65 yards on their first possession, culminating in a 1-yard touchdown run by Blake Horvath. The Midshipmen capitalized on turnovers and short-field opportunities throughout the game.
One pivotal moment occurred in the second quarter when Dashaun Peele intercepted Daily, setting up an 18-yard touchdown pass from Horvath to Brandon Chatman, extending Navy’s lead to 14-0. Although Army responded with a 23-yard touchdown pass from Daily to Hayden Reed, it wasn’t enough to close the gap.
The third quarter featured another highlight-reel play when Horvath connected with Eli Heidenreich for a 52-yard touchdown pass. This play not only extended Navy’s lead but also marked Horvath’s 13th passing touchdown of the season and Heidenreich’s sixth receiving touchdown—both school records.
A Crucial Fourth-Quarter Play
Navy solidified their victory with a bold fake punt in the fourth quarter. Defensive lineman Landon Robinson ran for 29 yards, a play that set up Horvath’s final touchdown, a 1-yard rush, pushing the score to 28-13. Despite fumbling at the end of the fake punt run, the Midshipmen recovered the ball and maintained their momentum.
Reflections on a Rivalry
The game took place in front of a crowd that included President-elect Donald Trump at FedExField, home of the Washington Commanders. This marked the first of two consecutive Army-Navy matchups in Maryland, with next year’s game scheduled for Baltimore.
For Army, the loss cast a shadow over what had otherwise been a historic season. Head coach Jeff Monken acknowledged the disappointment, saying, “When you lose this game, it’s hard to celebrate the season.”
On the other hand, Navy celebrated a season-defining victory. Head coach Brian Newberry, in his second year, praised his team’s resilience and the culture of trust and commitment at the Naval Academy.
Navy’s Resurgence
The Midshipmen’s win over Army capped off a successful season, which included victories against both Air Force and Army to sweep their service academy rivals. For Navy, it was not just about reclaiming the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy but also reaffirming their strength and determination in college football.
As the Army-Navy rivalry continues to evolve, this victory solidifies Blake Horvath’s and Navy’s place in the annals of this historic series, proving once again the significance and intensity of one of college football’s most cherished traditions.
