Annapolis, Md.— Behind a record-setting performance from quarterback Blake Horvath and wide receiver Eli Heidenreich, Navy outlasted Air Force 34–31 on Saturday in a Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy showdown before a raucous crowd of 37,517 at Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium — the 10th-largest attendance in the venue’s storied history.
The win keeps Navy (5–0) unbeaten and in prime position to retain the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, awarded annually to the top service academy football team.
Heidenreich Shines in Record-Breaking Day
Heidenreich, who had just five receptions on the season entering the game, delivered a performance for the ages. The junior wideout hauled in eight passes for a school-record 243 yards, including touchdown receptions of 19, 80, and 60 yards — giving him 14 career touchdown catches, the most in Navy history.
“Eli was unbelievable,” Horvath said. “He kept finding space, and all I had to do was get the ball near him. He made my job easy.”
Horvath Does It All
Horvath was equally dominant, completing 20 of 26 passes for a career-high 339 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 130 yards and a score on 17 carries. His dual-threat brilliance kept Navy’s offense humming all afternoon against an Air Force defense that struggled to contain big plays.
“Nobody embodies our program’s toughness more than Blake,” Navy coach Brian Newberry said. “He’s poised, fearless, and gives us a chance every single snap.”
Back-and-Forth Battle
Both teams traded punches in a game defined by explosive plays and late drama. After Navy took a 17–10 halftime lead behind two Heidenreich touchdowns, Air Force battled back repeatedly behind quarterback Liam Szarka, who accounted for four touchdowns — two through the air and two on the ground.
Szarka completed 11 of 19 passes for 212 yards and added 152 rushing yards on 25 carries, both career highs. Receiver Bruin Fleischmann also had a breakout game with six catches for 166 yards and a touchdown.
Navy’s defense was tested all day but came up big when it mattered most.
Game-Winning Moments
With the game tied 31–31 in the fourth quarter — following a 53-yard touchdown grab by Jonah Dawson, the first of his career — Nathan Kirkwood drilled a clutch field goal from 38 yards out to give Navy the lead with 6:47 remaining.
Moments later, Air Force’s comeback hopes were dashed when a pitch was deflected and recovered by the Midshipmen near midfield. From there, Horvath and the offense ran out the clock to secure the victory.
“That’s what Navy football is all about,” Newberry said. “Toughness, discipline, and finding a way to finish.”
Up Next:
The Midshipmen will look to stay perfect as they continue their pursuit of the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, while Air Force (1–4) will try to regroup after another heartbreaking loss in the rivalry series.
