Navy's football team showcased their resilience and determination on Friday as they battled back to defeat the East Carolina Pirates 34-20, capping off their regular season with a strong performance. Despite being shut out during the first half, where East Carolina led with only three points, the Midshipmen came alive after halftime, scoring five touchdowns to secure victory.
The game, played at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium in Greenville, North Carolina, marked the conclusion of the regular season for both teams, with Navy improving their record to 8-3 and East Carolina finishing at 7-5. Both teams are now bowl eligible, and their postseason matchups will be revealed soon.
Navy's starting quarterback Blake Horvath did not play due to injuries, relying heavily on sophomore Braxton Woodson, who stepped up remarkably. Woodson completed 12 of 19 passes for 165 yards and threw for one touchdown, but his contributions didn't stop there. He also rushed for 125 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. His ability to command the offense became evident as he gradually found his rhythm, especially during the explosive fourth quarter.
Initially, the game was unremarkable, with both teams struggling to score. East Carolina's defense held Navy at bay during the first half, forcing missed opportunities and limiting their drives to only field-goal attempts. But as the second half began, Navy regained their footing, with Woodson leading the way.
He ignited the Midshipmen's offense with electrifying plays, including a 61-yard touchdown pass to Nathan Kent, extending Navy's lead to 21-6 with just over ten minutes remaining. This pivotal moment not only boosted the team's morale but also shifted the game's momentum entirely.
East Carolina responded with their own scoring drive, as Katin Houser connected with Winston Wright Jr. for a touchdown, narrowing the gap to 21-13. But Woodson wasn't finished yet. With the clock winding down, he made another significant impact, racing down the field for a 38-yard rushing touchdown.
After the Navy defense made key stops, including a timely interception, Woodson capped the scoring frenzy with another rushing touchdown, putting the Midshipmen firmly in control at 34-13. East Carolina managed to score one last touchdown later through Houser, but it was too little, too late.
Navy's defense played a pivotal role throughout the game. Though they faced pressure from East Carolina's offense, which came off four consecutive high-scoring games, they managed to keep their opponent from gaining traction. Led by senior safety Rayuan Lane III, who finished with nine tackles, the Midshipmen's defense not only limited conversions but also thwarted several key drives.
The victory signifies notable improvement for Coach Brian Newberry's squad, who had been predicted to finish lower within the American Athletic Conference standings. The Midshipmen, who were picked to finish 11th, outperformed expectations by concluding the regular season third.
"It's exciting to end the regular season on such a high note after how rough the first half was," Woodson remarked post-game. "Our defense gave us the chance to come back strong, and we made the most of it. This win means everything to the team, and we’re ready to focus on the Army game now."
The Navy football team will be preparing for their upcoming clash against their arch-rivals, Army, set to take place on December 14 at Northwest Stadium, marking another highlight of their season. This matchup holds historical significance and adds extra flavor to the upcoming bowl games the Midshipmen have earned after years of tough competition.