By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Navy Midshipmen (10-2) won their second Commander-in-Chief Trophy after beating Army Black Knights (6-6), 17-16. It is one of the greatest rivalries in sports. The Black Knights have not beaten a Navy team that was ranked by the AP since 1955.
President Donald Trump attended the game. He’s appeared before, and he took the honor to toss the coin before the game at midfield. Trump interacted with players and coaches from both teams, especially with the Midshipmen during halftime. The game is a tradition, and it’s the 126th time the two teams have played each other.
Before the game, they sang the Star stangled banner, and it was just a beautiful moment to see what the men and women of service mean to our country. Thank you for protecting our freedom and for your service.
Navy’s quarterback, Blake Horvath, put the team on the board with the first touchdown of the game. Horvath finished completing 7 of 14 of his passes for 82 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also had 34 carries with 107 rushing yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Eli Heidenreich had six receptions for 72 yards and one touchdown.
As for the Black Knights, quarterback Cale Hellums completed 5 of his 10 passes for 82 yards and one interception. Hellums also rushed for 100 yards on 25 carries and a touchdown. Wide receiver Noah Short added 51 yards on three receptions.
Army outscored Navy 13-0 in the second quarter. The Black Knights scored 16 unanswered points and led 16-7 in the third quarter. The Navy’s defense stepped up in the second half. The 4th and down play with less than seven minutes to go in the fourth quarter turned out to be the game-winner for the Midshipmen.
Navy will play Cincinnati in the Liberty Bowl on Jan. 2. Army will take on UConn in the Fenway Bowl on Dec. 27.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
X: @mmm_sportnfilms, Instagram: @miguel_passionforsports and @themmmjournal, LinkedIn: The MMM Journal, TikTok: @miguelmikemedina