BALTIMORE (AP) — Navy edged past Army with a close 17-16 victory on Saturday, thanks to a crucial touchdown pass from Blake Horvath to Eli Heidenreich. With just over six minutes left in the game, Horvath found Heidenreich for an 8-yard touchdown on fourth down, sealing the deal for the Midshipmen.
It wasn’t without drama. Horvath had two turnovers during the game, including a fumble near the goal line on a critical drive. However, Heidenreich recovered the fumble, giving Navy another chance. Facing a fourth down and trailing 16-10, Navy’s gamble paid off when Horvath successfully connected with Heidenreich.
After the touchdown, Army struggled to respond. They had to punt, and in a tense moment, a fumble by Horvath almost turned the tide again, but he managed to regain control before it was recovered by the Black Knights. With only a few minutes remaining, Alex Tecza’s run allowed Navy to run down the clock, ensuring their lead stayed intact.
The rivalry game had high stakes, especially with President Donald Trump in attendance. This win earned Navy its second straight Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy and marked Army’s continued struggle against ranked Navy teams—last time they won against one was in 1955.
Both teams exchanged touchdowns early in the game, with long, strategic drives. It took a while for either side to score again after the initial exchanges. Navy’s offense, known for its explosive tendencies, had an FBS-high 10 plays of at least 60 yards this season. Despite Army’s strong defense, Horvath made a pivotal 37-yard run that set up a field goal in the third quarter.
Interestingly, the historical rivalry has always produced memorable moments, with the game often showcasing fierce competition. Social media buzz surrounding this matchup included die-hard fans expressing pride and disappointment, reflecting the high emotional stakes each team carries into the game.
Moving forward, Army prepares to face UConn in the Fenway Bowl on December 27. On the other hand, Navy will take on Cincinnati in the Liberty Bowl on January 2, further demonstrating the contrasting trajectories of these storied programs this season.
