Navy Dominates Memphis in Friday Night Clash, 28-17
Recap of Navy vs Memphis (28-17). Game highlights, key performances, and analysis.
Navy Dominates Memphis in Friday Night Clash, 28-17
Game Result Overview
The Navy Midshipmen emerged victorious in a hard-fought contest against the Memphis Tigers, securing a 28-17 win on Friday night. Navy's offense proved too much for Memphis to handle, ultimately leading them to victory. The game, marked by key plays and impressive individual performances, saw Navy establish an early lead and maintain control throughout the majority of the game.
Key Individual Performances
Navy's offense was powered by a strong rushing attack. Alex Tecza led the way, dominating on the ground with 103 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries. Quarterback Blake Horvath completed 5 of his 9 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown for the Navy offense. Eli Heidenreich was his top target, hauling in two receptions for 64 yards. Brandon Chatman also contributed, adding 27 receiving yards on a single catch.
For Memphis, quarterback Brendon Lewis threw for 172 yards, completing 19 of 36 attempts with two touchdowns. Cortez Braham Jr. was Lewis's primary receiving threat, catching four passes for 65 yards and a touchdown. The Tigers' rushing attack struggled to gain significant ground, with Frank Peasant leading the team with just 30 rushing yards.
Defensively, Sam Brumfield of Memphis recorded an impressive 17 tackles, while Drue Watts and Chris Bracy each added 9 tackles. Luke Pirris of Navy stood out with 7 tackles and 2.0 sacks. MarcAnthony Parker and Giuseppe Sessi each had 8 tackles for Navy.
Turning Points
Several pivotal plays shaped the outcome of the game. In the 1st quarter, a 31-yard field goal attempt by Memphis's G. Spetic was good, giving Memphis an early lead. Later in the 1st quarter, Blake Horvath connected with Brandon Chatman for a 27-yard gain, setting up a key drive for Navy.
The 2nd quarter saw significant action. A long pass play saw Blake Horvath connect with Eli Heidenreich for a 46-yard gain, setting up a crucial offensive opportunity for Navy. Memphis responded with a 38-yard touchdown pass from Brendon Lewis to Cortez Braham Jr., which brought them closer. However, Memphis's G. Spetic missed a 31-yard field goal attempt in the final seconds of the second quarter, denying the Tigers a chance to cut into the lead further. Also in the 2nd quarter, Horvath was sacked for a loss of 13 yards.
In the 4th quarter, Luke Pirris sacked Brendon Lewis for a loss of 12 yards, stifling a Memphis drive. Later in the 4th, Lewis was sacked again, this time for an 8-yard loss, resulting in a turnover on downs, sealing the win for Navy.
Looking Ahead
Navy's victory over Memphis provides a significant boost to their season, showcasing their offensive capabilities and defensive resilience. The Midshipmen will look to build on this performance as they continue their season. Memphis, on the other hand, will need to regroup and address areas for improvement, particularly on defense, as they prepare for their next challenge.