In a dramatic finish at the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, the Navy Midshipmen edged out the Oklahoma Sooners 21-20. Oklahoma made a valiant late-game effort, with quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. connecting with tight end Jake Roberts for a touchdown with mere seconds remaining. However, the Sooners' attempt at a two-point conversion and the win was thwarted by a staunch Navy defense.
Navy head coach Brian Newberry celebrates with the trophy. (Andrew Dieb/Imagn Images)
The Sooners started strong, building a 14-0 lead in the first quarter with touchdowns from running back Gavin Sawchuk and wide receiver Zion Kearney. However, Navy responded with 21 unanswered points, beginning with an 11-yard touchdown run by fullback Alex Tecza in the second quarter.
Quarterback Blake Horvath then etched his name into Navy's record books with a 95-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, the longest in program history, surpassing a record set during the Roger Staubach era. This explosive play tied the game at 14 apiece. Horvath later added another touchdown, a 6-yard run, to give Navy the lead.
Blake Horvath's record-breaking run. (Andrew Dieb/Imagn Images)
Horvath finished the game with 92 passing yards and 155 rushing yards, while Tecza contributed 43 rushing yards. For Oklahoma, Hawkins threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns, and Sawchuk rushed for 67 yards. The victory brings Navy's season record to an impressive 10-3, while Oklahoma concludes their season at 6-7.
Blake Horvath on his way to a 95-yard touchdown run. (Andrew Dieb/Imagn Images)
