Navy football coach Brian Newberry has consistently cautioned his team about the dangers of becoming complacent, referring to it as “choking on the sugar.” The unbeaten Midshipmen made waves by earning a spot in the Associated Press top 25 this week, a result of their impressive two-month run marked by numerous dominant victories. However, early success can sometimes lead to a lack of focus.
During Saturday’s home game against Charlotte, it was apparent that Navy was determined not to let up. Ranked No. 25, the Midshipmen dominated the 49ers with a 51-17 victory at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, securing bowl eligibility for the first time since 2019 with half of the regular season remaining.
Navy, now 6-0 for the first time since 1979, is winning games by an average margin of over 25 points.
This victory sets up a highly anticipated matchup against No. 12 Notre Dame next week in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Fighting Irish have rebounded with five consecutive wins after an early loss and present the toughest challenge for Newberry’s team thus far.
“There have been many moments this season when it felt like a ‘trap game,’ but they stay focused,” Newberry noted. “You can sense the character, resilience, and chemistry of this team, and they have demonstrated that.”
Navy couldn’t have hoped for a better start in Saturday’s game. Junior fullback Alex Tecza broke free for a 26-yard gain on the first play from scrimmage and subsequently caught a 46-yard touchdown pass from standout junior quarterback Blake Horvath. Tecza scored three touchdowns in the first quarter, playing a pivotal role for a Navy offense that accumulated 196 yards in the first quarter alone, finishing with 288 total yards.
“Entering the season, there were questions about our offense due to the new quarterback and offensive coordinator,” Horvath commented. “It feels great to decisively answer those questions.”
By the end of the first quarter, Navy was ahead 24-0 and had more turnovers (three) than Charlotte had passing yards (zero). Linebacker Kyle Jacob and safety Rayuan Lane III each produced an interception, while Lane forced a fumble that Jacob recovered, giving the offense a short field. Cornerback Dashaun Peele added to the score with an interception return for a touchdown in the second quarter, bringing the score to 38-0 with 10:24 remaining in the half.
Navy led 38-10 at halftime. The pace slowed in the second half, though Peele’s second interception returned 84 yards for a touchdown stood out amidst a quieter period. This accomplishment made him the first player in Navy history to return two interceptions for touchdowns in a single game. Despite totaling only 50 yards in the second half, the strong defensive performance kept a determined Charlotte offense in check.
“The focus this year has been on our offensive output, but not much has been said about our defense,” Newberry remarked. “Being able to score 51 points and defeat a quality opponent despite not playing offensively at our best speaks volumes about our team.”
Navy’s defense forced five turnovers for the first time in five years, while Horvath became the first Navy quarterback to throw three touchdown passes in a game in over a decade.
Horvath’s final touchdown pass, a strike to junior Brandon Chatman, marked his 10th of the season, placing him just three shy of the program record halfway through the year. The junior spent the fourth quarter on the sideline, along with other starters, who earned a well-deserved rest after another significant victory against a conference rival.