Philadelphia, PA — Quarterback Blake Horvath delivered one of the most electrifying performances of Navy’s season, guiding the Midshipmen to a dramatic 32–31 comeback victory over Temple on Saturday night at Lincoln Financial Field.
Horvath was unstoppable, amassing 296 total yards — throwing for 141 and rushing for 155 — and scoring three total touchdowns, including the game-winning 51-yard run with just over two minutes to play. The win kept Navy undefeated (6–0, 4–0 American) and marked its best start since 2019, while extending its road winning streak to five games.
“This team just keeps fighting,” Navy head coach Brian Newberry said. “Blake showed unbelievable leadership and toughness. We were down, the momentum was against us, and he just refused to let this team lose.”
A Game of Swings
Temple (3–3, 1–1) appeared poised for an upset midway through the second half. Behind quarterback Evan Simon, who threw for 332 yards and a touchdown while adding another on the ground, the Owls built a 31–24 lead after Jay Ducker’s 1-yard scoring run with under four minutes remaining.
But Navy’s option offense — patient all game — struck quickly when Horvath kept the ball on a read option and burst down the left sideline for his second rushing touchdown, a 51-yard sprint that silenced the home crowd and gave Navy the lead for good.
Temple’s final possession ended in heartbreak, as Simon’s desperation drive stalled near midfield.
Horvath Leads the Charge
Horvath’s all-around play carried the Midshipmen throughout the night. He opened the scoring with a 50-yard touchdown strike to Cody Howard in the first quarter, added a short rushing score in the second, and then saved his best for last with the long go-ahead run.
His command of Navy’s triple-option offense proved decisive — the Midshipmen racked up 243 rushing yards and averaged 6.6 yards per carry, wearing down Temple’s defensive front.
Fullback Alex Tecza added 30 yards and a 2-yard touchdown, while kicker Nathan Kirkwood hit a crucial 48-yard field goal early in the fourth to tie the game at 24.
Owls Put Up a Fight
Temple’s offense moved the ball effectively for most of the game. Ducker finished with 97 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while JoJo Bermudez caught a 26-yard touchdown and totaled 74 receiving yards.
The Owls outgained Navy 505–384 but couldn’t overcome a key third-quarter fumble or contain Horvath in the game’s closing minutes.
“We had chances to put it away,” Temple coach Stan Drayton said. “Credit to Navy — they’re disciplined and tough. That quarterback made plays when it mattered.”
Stat Leaders:
Navy
Blake Horvath: 12-of-19, 141 yards, 1 TD; 16 carries, 155 yards, 2 TDs
Alex Tecza: 10 carries, 30 yards, 1 TD
Cody Howard: 3 receptions, 67 yards, 1 TD
Nathan Kirkwood: 1 FG (48 yards)
Temple
Evan Simon: 23-of-37, 332 yards, 1 TD; 1 rushing TD
Jay Ducker: 18 carries, 97 yards, 2 TDs
JoJo Bermudez: 6 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD
Up Next:
Navy: Returns home to face Tulane in a key conference matchup.
Temple: Travels to SMU next Saturday.
