The Army Black Knights and Navy Midshipmen squared off in a classic rivalry game on Saturday, and it was the Black Knights who emerged victorious. Army held off a late Navy surge to win 17-11 after a goal-line stand in the final seconds of the game.
The Midshipmen had the ball at the Army one-yard line with just seconds remaining in the game, but the Black Knights defense held strong and stopped Navy’s attempt to score the go-ahead touchdown. Navy quarterback Malcolm Perry had a chance to be the hero, but his pass into the end zone was broken up by Army’s Elijah Riley.
The game was a defensive battle throughout, with both teams struggling to move the ball. Navy had the edge in total yards, but Army was able to capitalize on their opportunities and score two touchdowns. The first came on a five-yard run by quarterback Kelvin Hopkins Jr., and the second was a one-yard plunge by running back Connor Slomka.
Navy was able to get on the board with a field goal in the fourth quarter, and they had a chance to tie the game late, but the goal-line stand by Army sealed the victory. It was a hard-fought win for the Black Knights, who have now won three straight games against their rival.
The win was especially sweet for Army head coach Jeff Monken, who has now beaten Navy four times in his five years at the helm. He praised his team’s effort after the game, saying, “I’m proud of our guys for not giving up and making that goal-line stand at the end.”
The win was also a big boost for Army’s bowl hopes. The Black Knights are now 6-4 on the season and have a good chance of making a bowl game for the third consecutive year.
Saturday’s game was another classic chapter in the storied rivalry between Army and Navy. The Black Knights were able to come away with the win this time, but it was a hard-fought battle that could have gone either way.
